Melissa & Joey (ABC Family)

MELISSA & JOEY centers on rising political star Mel (Melissa Joan Hart), whose fast-paced lifestyle gets a little more hectic with the arrival of her niece, Lennox (Taylor Spreitler), and nephew, Ryder (Nick Robinson), who end up in her care after their mom gets sent to jail and their dad skips town. In over her head, Mel decides to hire a nanny -- but fate sends her an unlikely rescuer in the form of Joe (Joey Lawrence), an unemployed finance guru who becomes the family’s surprisingly capable “manny.”

First the good news: Hart and Lawrence could easily build careers playing opposite each other, with the chemistry they established in the TV movie My Fake Fiance carrying over to this new endeavor. Even in Mel and Joe's dislike of each other onscreen, it’s easy to like the combination they create, and the show benefits from their presence. Unfortunately, the show as a whole doesn’t quite measure up to the standards of its stars. Like the frazzled Mel, viewers are always one step behind the action, trying unsuccessfully to keep up with the show’s frantic pace.

Still, there are some sweet moments as the show's unlikely family makes small progress in bonding, and the gender-role shake-up -- with Mel furthering her career and Joe holding down the fort at home -- livens things up. But overall, the show doesn't live up to its stars, and the use of strong language (mostly “ass” and “hell," but there’s a surprising amount of it) and references to underage drinking and sex ensure that it’s not for tweens.