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House of Payne (Syndicated, TBS)

common sense media says

No-frills sitcom is lackluster in every way.

parents & educators say
See all 27 reviews | Review it

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that one of the main characters in this syndicated sitcom is a formerly drug-addicted mother of two who was forced into rehab after burning the family house down. She receives very little emotional support from her in-laws and husband when she's released from her program.

Positive messages: Family members tease each other about topics some might find offensive, such as skin color and body size.
Violence: In the first episode, viewers learn that a drug-addicted character burned her family's house down.
Sex: Not applicable.
Language: Family members taunt and tease each other, and the word "sucker" is used.
Consumerism: Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Although no drug use is shown, one of the characters is a former addict.
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

More on House of Payne

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
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?

What's the story?

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?

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."

TV themes & details

TV Details
TV Rating: TV-PG
Network: Syndicated
Cast: Cassi Davis, Lance Gross, LaVan Davis
Genre: Comedy
Where to watch: Syndicated
This review was written by Lucy Maher
 
 

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What parents & educators say

12

Most useful reviews by all members

Eyewitness
adult
17
 
Poor Writing
Unfortunately, this is some of the worst writing I have ever been exposed to. The plot is non-existent. There is no definable story line. The character development is shallow leading one to believe that the story is being written by sixth graders. The humor is juvenile, the scenes are choppy, the dialogue is fragmented, the actors do not come across as real characters and the soundtrack is weak and incongruent with the imagery of the filming.
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mahilana
adult
15
 
Don't waste your time
The show could have some good messages to the viewer, however, it seems like they're trying too hard to be funny. The show touches on subjects that don't really come around children unless they're living under a bridge in Compton. The language of the characters isn't bad but it's basically ghetto slang that I feel will only make someone look uneducated if they spoke that way. I've watched this show a few times to give it a shot plus love Tyler Perry movies so I thought the show would be good but I didn't laugh once and it was hard to stay interested. Overall, bad show with bad comedy and bad topics. Only watch it if there is absolutely nothing else on.
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Hasana
adult
 
Jim Crow hits a new low
I tried a couple of times to sit down and watch TPHP and couldn't get past the first commercial break. This is show depicts cooning at its finest. I am embarassed to see black people huff, shuck n' jive on national tv. The worst part is the jokes aren't funny at all and the storyline is unoriginal and not to mention the acting is a bit "iffy". I discourage any from watching this modern day black face comedy.
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toocool
parent of 15 year old
9
 
the show is not funny,very dated.The acting sucks,i can really direct and write this show,and make it 100% better. I knows wath it needs.
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inmydreems
adult
 
Tired writing, poor acting - Must Not See TV
I've only seen one Madea movie and it was mildly entertaining. I was hoping the TV show would be a little tighter and work on family relationships. The canned laugh track is stupid, ill-used and has to go. Get an audience like Perry has at his plays and you might have something. But then again, the audience just might not laugh . . . or cry . . . they just might sit there bored like my family did.
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jcb30093
adult
 
TIRED FORMULA
Where do I begin? Poor writing, stale sets, insulting laugh track, low energy, sub-mediocre acting, uninteresting characters...all of it needs work. I admire his success elsewhere in the industry but Tyler Perry may consider getting some help with the writing, filming in front of a live audience to elevate the energy level and allowing his characters to become more fully realized by having them interact with non-principal characters.
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nate2
adult
 
My Review
I believe Tyler Perry did an excellant job. I didn't at first enjoy his previous movies, but after siting down viewing some of them for myself, I look forward to watching more of his shows coming to a theater near me.
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cooljay78
teen, 16 years old
7
 
a bombsand d bombs
and also curtis and ella dont actualy sa the word sexbut the refreces are ovious like thy say '' whi is the ;last tme yo youknowed but overall this shou is funnyy!lol rofl and lmao
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sfap
adult
 
not comedically inclined as Tyler Perry's stage plays
The show is trying to be funny, but the punch lines just are not there. The uncle on the show really gets on my nerves.
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MissKatea
adult
 
Step up or ship out
House of Payne has one good actor Alan Payne. The rest of the cast is not able to keep up with his ability as an actor. Either step up or ship out!
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daKillah1979
parent of 6 year old
8
 
THIS MY JUNT!!!!
Best series ever, my man Tyler Perry does it again. None like a Payne man!
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angela7
adult
 
not funny
the show lacked the humor and timing of other perry plays/movies. I was dispointed in the show.
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chauna5779
adult
 
I love Madea
I thought the first two episodes were great! I love Madea and Brown. I have seen all the plays, movies and read the book and I have never been disappointed yet. It's something the whole family can look at. My kids love Madea and thinks she's really funny! It's better TV for television without all the bad language and sex scenes that they have on every other channel now days.
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nita
adult
 
I didn't like it at all
I first want to say that I'm a fan of Tyler but this sitcom I'm not to thrilled with the first to sitcom I was waiting for it to get funny and it didn't, so I tried to give it the benefit of the doubt and watch again this past week and it was just as dry. I'm really not feeling it. Not at all what I expected. Hopefully the following shows will get better.
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SilverSnake
teen, 15 years old
10
 
I don't see whats wrong with it..
Wow, THIS show got bad ratings yet The Suite Life on Deck got better ones? I think the actings really good, the lessons are good, its funny and relatable. The characters have their own attitude and ARE interesting, the plots are a little scrambled, but really good. Just give it a shot. Its better than soaps!
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Banana_silly
teen, 18 years old
 
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glect22
adult
 
Re-Run
this show is a copy of past hit shows(Roc, Family Matters, cosby's, etc). only difference is the main character is a non-factor(Payne). story lines are old and not fresh.
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CSM Screen ...
adult
 
Not Funny
Its not very funn, yet madea was entertaining. Its ok for kids however, just nor very funny.
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bqma
adult
 
House of Payne is Painful to Watch
I am totally disappointed with this show. The father is LOUD and not funny. The jokes are stale and predictable. Terry Perry plays and movies are much better than this obnoxious show.
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DIAMOND D
adult
 
Come On Tyler!!! You are suppose to be the new Cosby!!!
Dear Mr. Perry Let me say this as a true fan!!!! This is your first sitcom, and I support a brother!!!! BUT YOU CAN DO BETTER THAN THIS!!!! For me the characters are to shallow!!!! The show is popcorny at best. In you films you really touched on the issue in the black community.!!! You need to find your innerself and do that again!!!! Black America needs another Cosby, an your it Bruh!!!! I'll keep you in prayer. We need you!! Sincerely Damon W. Bethel
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