Mike & Molly
Mike & Molly
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this TV show.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that this romance-oriented sitcom is targeting adults with sexual banter (including some body part humor and jokes about sex), language (mostly words like "damn" and "ass"), and some thinly veiled references to marijuana (a secondary character smokes it regularly). Although some characters exhibit iffy behavior, both Mike and Molly are positive role models in that they're making an effort to make important changes in their lives, even if they don't always make the right choices. The show also highlights real struggles associated with losing weight and getting healthy.
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What's the Story?
After spying each other at an Overeaters Anonymous meeting, MIKE & MOLLY (Billy Gardell and Melissa McCarthy) strike up a romance based on a shared sense of humor -- and a few extra pounds they'd like to lose. But while police officer Mike's biggest enemy is himself, grade-school teacher Molly's got her skinny mother (Swoosie Kurtz) and sister (Katy Mixon) to contend with. Reno Wilson co-stars as Mike's loyal partner, Carl, who tries to keep him from falling off the wagon.
Is It Any Good?
Like most other sitcoms, Mike & Molly is taking a gamble on a gimmick. But in this case, that gimmick is an ongoing romance between two plus-sized people who meet at Overeaters Anonymous. (Insert requisite "fat joke" here.) And while it's not necessarily done in poor taste, it's a shame that a show about two people who don't fit the traditional leading-role body types chooses to play the weight card so heavy-handedly.
As a result, you're sometimes left wondering whether you're laughing at Mike and Molly or with them -- and we'd like to think most viewers will choose the latter. Because if you strip away the fact that the leads are locked in a love affair with food, the show is really more about their romantic journey as two formerly lonely people and less about the fact that they're "fat." The real message is much bigger than that.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the relationship between body image and weight. Does the show reinforce or dispel negative stereotypes about overweight people? How realistic are the characters' struggles with food and exercise?
How does carrying extra weight affect men and women when it comes to romance? Is attractiveness measured in pounds -- and does the answer differ depending on gender?
How does this comedy compare to other shows or movies with overweight protagonists?
TV Details
- Premiere date: September 20, 2010
- Cast: Billy Gardell, Melissa McCarthy, Swoosie Kurtz
- Network: CBS
- Genre: Comedy
- TV rating: TV-PG
- Last updated: January 20, 2023
Our Editors Recommend
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Beauty vs. brains dramedy is fun, despite some stereotyping.
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Huge
Thought-provoking drama has relatable messages for teens.
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Ruby
Reality weight-loss chronicle is honest, personal.
For kids who love comedy
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