The Jamie Foxx Show

Review

Common Sense Media says

Ray star finds laughs in hotel life.
greenON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
yellowPAUSE: Know your child; some content
may not be right for some kids.
redOFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
not for kidsNOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age.

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Quality
 
Sometimes media can be age appropriate but a real waste of time. Our star rating assesses the media's overall quality.

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What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this late-'90s sitcom follows an aspiring actor (played by Jamie Foxx, who would go on to win an Oscar for Ray) who puts his dreams on hold while he helps his family run their business. The show's messages focus on the importance of family and hard work, and it highlights humor that attempts to move away from African-American stereotypes.

  • Positive messages3
    The show features an African-American cast, but it stays away from racial stereotypes. People of diverse backgrounds are visible. While the hotel isn't the most upscale, there's a clear attempt to establish a sense that it's a respected establishment. The Williams family is hardworking and supportive of one another. Fancy is pursuing her education while working. References to African-American organizations are often heard.
  • Violence0
    Not applicable.
  • Sex0
    Some spoken innuendo (including references to homosexual behavior), most of which will go over younger viewers' head.
  • Language3
    "Damn," "ass," etc. Words referring to body parts, such as "booty," are sometimes used, too.
  • Consumerism0
    References to real African-American organizations, including the United Negro College Fund.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking3
    Occasional alcohol consumption and cigar smoking. A few references to drug use and drug testing.
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What's the story?

One of the WB's early sitcoms, THE JAMIE FOXX SHOW stars comedian Jamie Foxx as Jamie King, an aspiring entertainer-turned-employee in his family's Los Angeles hotel. The son of a traveling entertainer (played by Gladys Knight), Jamie moves from Terrell, Texas, to California with dreams of becoming a famous actor and singer. But the struggling Hollywood hopeful soon finds himself agreeing to help his Aunt Helen (Ellia English) and Uncle Junior (Garrett Morris) run the King's Tower Hotel in order to support himself. Working and living at the hotel isn't exactly ideal for his career, but Jamie manages to survive the daily grind by attempting to charm fellow hotel employee/fashion design student Francesca "Fancy" Monroe (Garcelle Beauvis). He also spends time tolerating somewhat-obnoxious hotel cashier Braxton T. Hartnabrig (Christopher B. Duncan).

Is it any good?

 

Featuring an all-African-American cast, The Jamie Foxx Show's humor relies more on good comedy writing than strong or demeaning racial stereotypes. The show presents a strong set of values, including the importance of family, hard work, and education. It's positive representation of African Americans in comedy led to multiple NAACP award nominations, as well as a NAACP Image Award for Foxx in 1998.

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What families can talk about

Families can talk about the importance of having dreams, no matter how lofty they may seem. What kinds of challenges do people face when trying to make their dreams come true? Is there ever a time when you should give up your dreams? Families can also talk about what it takes to become successful in Hollywood, as well as positive values and African-American role models on television. Is this show different from other comedies featuring primarily African-American casts? How?

This review was written by Melissa Camacho
Adult
March 30, 2011
AGE
7
 
Hey anybody can watch it!!!
Wow The Jamie Foxx show is indeed a very good show seen it on BET there is nothing wrong with this show kids any age can watch it i reallly wish i had the dvd set maybe oneday i'll get it love ya Jamie1
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Teen, 18 years old
November 9, 2010
AGE
11
 
good for older tweens
my dad watches this and i think its preety good but there is language like a**hole and godd***.
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Adult
May 30, 2009
AGE
8
 
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Helped me decide (6) | Had useful details (6) | Read my mind (6)
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Kid, 11 years old
November 28, 2011
AGE
10
 
Rated PG (Perfect Show)
Ages 6 and Under Inappropriate, Ages 7-9 Iffy, Ages 10+ On
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Helped me decide (3) | Had useful details (3) | Read my mind (3)
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This review was written by Melissa Camacho
TV rating:TV-PG
Networks:BET, Syndicated
Cast:Garcelle Beauvais, Garrett Morris, Jamie Foxx
Genre:Comedy
This review was written by Melissa Camacho
 

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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.
Learning ratings
BEST: Really engaging, great learning approach.
GOOD: Pretty engaging, good learning approach.
FAIR: Somewhat engaging, OK learning approach.
NOT FOR LEARNING: Not recommended for learning.
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