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Joey (NBC)

common sense media says

A Friend goes west for fame and family.

parents & educators say
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What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this series is essentially for adults. Humor is sometimes shallow and crude. Viewers' mature understanding of sexuality is assumed. Since Joey's sister's breast augmentation is a running topic, the breasts themselves are prominently featured. In the end, the ensemble fails at delivering consistent laughs for teens or parents.

Positive messages: Some objectification of women. Joey's potential love interests have included two married women (one on the brink of divorce). Joey's sister Gina had her son when she was just 16, but she's a caring mother. Joey often teaches his nephew how to lure women.
Violence: Not applicable.
Sex: Lots of sexual innuendo; Gina's clothes are often revealing (and her breasts are much discussed); Joey is a ladies' man who gets around; casual sexual relationships.
Language: Mild profanity, such as "damn." Other crude phrases and imagery, especially from Joey's agent.
Consumerism: Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Occasional social drinking.
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

More on Joey

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about a range of topics. Is Joey as appealing away from his other "friends"? Which TV spin-offs have been successful? Is the Tribbianis' living situation ideal or realistic? What does the show say about superficial side of Hollywood life?

What's the story?

What's the story?
In JOEY, Matt LeBlanc continues in his Friends role of Joey Tribbiani, the sweet-but-slightly simpleminded friend who was better at getting women than acting jobs, except in Joey, things are reversed -- he lands roles on a hit series and in a big action movie, but struggles to find love. Having left his friends behind in New York to search for fame in Hollywood, Joey is now surrounded by family members -- nephew/roommate Michael (Paulo Costanzo), a brainy graduate student, and sister Gina (Drea de Matteo), a hairdresser. Joey also has a good female friend in the building, Alex (Andrea Anders), and a brash agent, Bobbie (Jennifer Coolidge, Best in Show, Legally Blonde). Episodes feature Joey trying to make friends, meet women, land parts, and deal with sitcom-esque scenarios that make fun of his less-than-sparkling intellect but highlight his good heart and childlike spirit.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 

It might be easy to mistake Joey for a kid-friendly show given its family-centered topics. But episodes almost always incorporate some risqué humor and adult subject matter -- such as Joey trying to prove to his friend's husband that he isn't gay, or dealing with his attraction to an actress who is playing his daughter. But LeBlanc still brings a lot of talent to the role, so veteran fans may enjoy Joey, which was cancelled after two seasons but is available on DVD.

TV themes & details

TV Details
TV Rating: TV-14
Network: NBC
Cast: Drea de Matteo, Matt LeBlanc, Paulo Costanzo
Genre: Comedy
Where to watch: NBC
This review was written by Betsy Wallace
 
 

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alexie
teen, 15 years old
10
 
Well.
Not nearly as good as Friends, but is still very funny.
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teen, 15 years old
 
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