| 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. | |
| NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Parents need to know that by and large, this show is a cute, unremarkable sitcom that is likely to appeal to tweens, especially girls. Some objectionable situations come up, in particular Val's affair with her former boss. In a drunken impetuous trip to Atlantic City, they get married. The consequences of their actions are yet to be determined. In addition, Holly and Vince consider having sex. And despite the loveable natures of the characters, females on the show are portrayed as ditzy and boy-crazy.
WHAT I LIKE ABOUT YOU revolves around the lives of the Tyler sisters -- cute, somewhat ditzy and mischief-prone teenager Holly (former Nickelodeon phenom Amanda Bynes), and older, more fastidious bakery owner Val (Jennie Garth). Holly moves in with Val after their parents move to Japan, turning Val's life upside-down. In the vein of Laverne and Shirley, I Love Lucy, and Friends, What I Like About You relies on physical comedy and oddball situations. Boy troubles and misunderstandings figure prominently as well. The driving force in the show, though, is the loving relationship between the sisters.
Take a kooky teenage sister, send her to live with her older sister in New York City, throw in a couple more frivolous girlfriends, some romantic mishaps, some slapstick and physical comedy, and what you get is a cute, though unremarkable sitcom that tween girls will love and their parents will...well, not love, but may tolerate.
Kicking off its fourth season, What I Like About You throws new relationships into the mix. After three seasons, Holly finally gets together with her friend Vince and older sister Val must deal with the consequences of her drunken quickie wedding to former-boss-turned-fireman Vic. Later this season, Val's quirky friend Lauren will get a love interest, and Holly's friends Tina and Gary will become interested in each other. More comedic mix-ups and goofball antics are sure to follow.
Families can talk about the stereotypical depiction of the female characters. Is this the norm for sitcoms? Also, Val's relationship with Vic might prove to be a good jumping off point for a discussion about the potential consequences of getting married so quickly. Even if Val does eventually fall in love with Vic, was marrying him a wise thing for her to do? Since the show caters primarily to tween girls, families may want to relate this plot-point to Britney Spears's impromptu wedding in Las Vegas.
| TV rating: | TV-PG |
| Network: | WB |
| Cast: | Amanda Bynes, Jennie Garth |
| Genre: | Comedy |