 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Hot in Cleveland
Common Sense Media says
Seasoned cast, sex jokes keep hokey premise afloat.
Parents say
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this sitcom about three middle-aged women who relocate from L.A. to the Midwest relies on quotable one-liners about sex and other cheeky topics -- such as, "I say we kill him and make his underage whore watch." Characters also drink socially, which can sometimes lead to poor decision-making, and use words like "slut," "whore," and "bastard." There's also a joke that suggests that a character in her 80s smokes marijuana.
What's the story?
When their Paris-bound plane makes an emergency pit stop in Ohio, a trio of vacationing Los Angelinos -- longtime friends Melanie (Valerie Bertinelli), Victoria (Wendie Malick) and Joy (Jane Leeves) -- make an unexpected discovery: They're HOT IN CLEVELAND, a place where men actually pursue women their own age. They may have been "old" and "unattractive" in Los Angeles, but in the Midwest, they're the belles of the ball. So in a bid to test out the town, Melanie rents a vintage property for a pittance and inherits the house's feisty live-in caretaker (Betty White).
Is it any good?
In her late '80s, lovable comedienne Betty White is one of the hottest commodities in Hollywood, having buoyed box-office hits like The Proposal with her charms and hosted Saturday Night Live on the strength of a Facebook petition. But she's also the last surviving Golden Girl, making her a bit of a national treasure. So it stands to reason that her presence alone on this well-cast TV Land original series would lend a little street cred to its title.
For adults who grew up with her, it's great to see White cracking jokes about pot and sensible track suits, but she isn't the only one bringing the fire; Bertinelli, Leeves and Malick deliver well-tested chemistry as a trio of longtime friends, and former Frasier writer Suzanne Martin keeps them plied with well-penned one-liners. The set-up itself is a little forced, and the formula's hardly fresh, but it's a sitcom that succeeds in being funny.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about the show's reliance on jokes about sex and sexual topics for a laugh. Why/how does a word like "whore" take on comedic connotations? Do these characters speak the way real women speak?
Who's the show's target audience? How can you tell?
What's the show's message when it comes to age and beauty? Does it shatter any commonly held stereotypes about women in their 40s, 50s ... and 80s?
- Show:
- All members
- Parents
- Teens & kids
AGE
Teen Boredom Young Adult Entertainment
Personally, I thought this show was boring. Betty White hs been in every hit comedy, but I don't think this one will make it. First of all, the sitcom has a fake laughter effect played every 10 seconds. You either don't get the joke or they are just not funny. I think the writers can do much better.
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
Good and bad role models.
I love Hot in Cleveland, but I am so glad that I do not live in L.A! I perfer to live in northeastern Ohio and Western P.A. The female characters have relationship problems, but they always get through them.
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
Know Your Kids
This TV show sends a good message, but if it were a movie, it would be PG-13
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
Funny Comedy!
Who doesnt love Valerie Bertanelli and Betty White. They are both just great actresses in this funny comedy. Some parts are innappropriate...I admit...but as long as your mature bout things, then this show is fine for you
Was this review useful?
|
|
Kid, 10 years old
January 15, 2012
AGE
Funny but a little overboard with men to women
Hilarious,Funny,Betty White you name it! Men to Women stuff is shown not as bad as Two and a Half Men but it's LA in Cleveland filled with fun and enjoyment just 9 and 10 year olds need to stay responisible while watching. The bed is yes but it is never shown Nude or Porn ever yes they say it is so as wanted for them but never works which is good to viewers and makes so forth more entertainment fo the watchers. TV Land this is your best show! Yes swearing is includedbut basically just all the b words and the a word great show I love it so it is for ages 11 and up for somethings!
Was this review useful?
|
|
| TV rating: | TV-PG |
| Network: | TV Land |
| Cast: | Betty White, Jane Leeves, Valerie Bertinelli, Wendie Malick |
| Genre: | Comedy |
Review It
Great alternatives handpicked by our editors
Already seen it? What do you think?
More from Common Sense Media
Top advice and articles
