Common Sense Media Review
No-frills sitcom is lackluster in every way.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 11+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
What's the Story?
In HOUSE OF PAYNE, a syndicated sitcom created and directed by filmmaker Tyler Perry (Diary of a Mad Black Woman), viewers follow Atlanta fireman CJ Payne (New Jack City's Allen Payne -- it's coincidental that they share the same last name) as he and his two kids move into his parents' home after his drug-addicted wife burns down their house to cover their debt. (Laughing yet?) CJ often butts heads with his strong-willed but well-meaning parents, Ella (Cassie Davis) and Curtis (Lavan Davis). The three disagree on everything from personal hygiene to child-rearing and further test each other's patience when CJ's wife returns from rehab and re-enters their lives. Larramie Shaw and China McCain co-star as Curtis' two children, Malik and Jasmine, and Denise Burse plays nosey neighbor Claretha.
Is It Any Good?
Perry has lots of fans, but even his alter-ego Madea couldn't infuse enough life into the mediocre House of Payne to make it stand out from the crowd. House of Payne's storyline is an interesting one, in that viewers essentially see a single father raising his kids with the help of his parents. But amateurish acting and a low-quality set detract from any originality. What's more, the writing at times verges on the offensive. At one point, Curtis tells CJ that all black people have high blood pressure, to which the lighter-skinned CJ responds that he doesn't. His father's retort? "I said black, not beige."
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about drug abuse and its consequences. Why is it a bad idea to do drugs? How can you say no when all your friends might be experimenting? Do you think drugs should be illegal?
TV Details
- Premiere date : June 21, 2006
- Cast : Cassi Davis , Lance Gross , LaVan Davis
- Networks : Syndicated , TBS
- Genre : Comedy
- TV rating :
- Last updated : October 11, 2020
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