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What About Brian (ABC, SOAPnet)

common sense media says

Modern-day thirtysomething; OK for teens.

parents & educators say
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What parents need to know

Parents need to know that all the main characters of this adult-oriented series are in their 30s and still have plenty of angst. They engage in adult conversations about topics like pre-marital sex and the pros and cons of an open marriage.

Positive messages: Not applicable.
Violence: Not applicable.
Sex: One of the couples discusses having an open marriage, and another character is asked if he's sleeping with his girlfriend. Relationships are a central theme of the show.
Language: Not applicable.
Consumerism: Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: There is social drinking.
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

More on What About Brian

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about what it feels like to be single. What's it like when your friends start dating and you haven't found a match? Are you jealous? Happy for them? Worried that it won't happen to you? Which of the characters do you relate to most? Where do you see yourself, relationship-wise, when you're they're age?

What's the story?

What's the story?
WHAT ABOUT BRIAN tells the story of a bachelor who finds himself the odd man out among his group of paired-off friends. Barry Watson stars as Brian O'Hara, a friendly, handsome entrepreneur searching for Mrs. Right. Brian's friends -- pals Dave (Rick Gomez) and Deena (Amanda Detmer), a married couple with three kids; just-married sister Nic (Rosanna Arquette) and brother-in-law Angelo (Raoul Bova); newly engaged best friend Adam (Matthew Davis) and his fiancée Marjorie (Sarah Lancaster); and bickering lovebirds Ivy (Amanda Foreman) and Jimmy (Jason George) -- include him in everything they do, but at the same time they wonder why he hasn't settled down. This, in turn, causes Brian to second-guess his romantic choices ... and question whether his single status is due to the fact that he's got a crush on Marjorie.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 

What About Brianis smartly written and very well-acted, and the storylines are entertaining (not surprising, considering the show is executive produced by J.J. Abrams, the man behind Felicity, Alias, and Lost). Still, though nothing in the series is especially objectionable, the subject matter might fly over the head of teens younger than 16. For example, in a subtly funny opening scene, the group tries to figure out who will drive to the movies. All the couples volunteer to drive Brian, which makes him feel like a child.

TV themes & details

TV Details
TV Rating: TV-PG
Network: ABC
Cast: Barry Watson, Matt Davis, Rosanna Arquette
Genre: Drama
Where to watch: ABC
This review was written by Lucy Maher
 
 

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Most useful reviews by all members

PinkPolkaDot
adult
 
Awesome!
I love this show.. There are alot of Sexual situations. Such as Open Marrigages. and Brian trying to hook up with 2 girls in 24 hours.. not for under 15
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helped me decide (3) | had useful details (3) | read my mind (2)
byergrl
adult
 
God I love this new show!
I was hooked from the first episode! I can't wait till it is picked up for another season. The characters are great. It is well written and well acted! This will be added to my "must see tv list, along with LOST, Survivor, ER, and Law and Order SVU.
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was this review useful?
helped me decide (4) | had useful details (2) | read my mind (2)

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