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The Worst Week of My Life (BBC America)

common sense media says

Britcom follows pair's mishaps one week at a time.

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What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this British sitcom -- which catalogs the many mishaps of an unlucky fellow during the days leading up to momentous life events -- includes brief nudity (a man's naked butt and a woman in lacy underwear), some strong language, and sexual references, but it's probably nothing teens haven't already seen or heard. Some potentially upsetting issues are played for laughs, like the death of a family pet (he's accidentally tossed into a cement mixer) and an unfortunate incident at a relative's funeral. But teens who can handle the content will get some chuckles at the expense of the unlucky characters.

Positive messages: An unmarried couple lives and sleeps together. Occasional rude gestures (the English equivalent of flipping someone off).
Violence: Not applicable.
Sex: Kissing and occasional sex talk (like "you deep inside me" or "caressing my body"). In one scene, a couple has just finished having sex in the bathtub (none of which is shown), and the man's butt is exposed. Female characters are shown in bras and panties, and they mention breasts and nipples.
Language: "Damn," "ass," and "asshole" are sporadic.
Consumerism: Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Adults occasionally drink wine or champagne.
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

More on The Worst Week of My Life

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about handling adversity. Teens, how do you deal with difficult and awkward situations? Who in your life do you have trouble getting along with? How do deal with that? Can you think of a time when you had a really bad day? What happened? How did you react? If this show gets remade as an American sitcom (which may happen), how do you think it will be different?

What's the story?

What's the story?
British sitcom THE WORST WEEK OF MY LIFE chronicles the misfortune that precedes momentous events for Howard (Ben Miller) and his wife, Mel (Sarah Alexander). The show's brief seasons have only seven episodes apiece; each installment details one day during a week of multiple disasters that lead up to some of life's greatest moments. As the series begins, Howard and Mel are making the final preparations for their wedding day, which is only a week away. But just when everything appears to be coming together, Howard sends the plans into a tailspin when he upsets the intricate seating chart for the reception (forcing them to start over from scratch), accidentally kills Mel's family's dog by tossing him into a cement mixer, and is forced to make an awkward confession when Mel's father walks in on him in the bathroom while he's holding a handful of small, brown chunks over the toilet. (Don't worry, it's not as bad as you think.)

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 

The only real downside to this funny series -- which, in later seasons, follows Howard and Mel through events like buying a house and having a baby -- is its close resemblance to similarly themed movies. Specifically, fans of Meet the Parents will notice that a lot of the first-season plot elements appear to have been lifted straight out of the movie, including the unyielding curmudgeon of a soon-to-be father-in-law, a troublesome family pet, and even stars with nearly identical names (Ben Miller vs. Ben Stiller). If you can see past the parallels, you'll enjoy the show's amusing -- if at times predictable -- mishaps. Just make sure your teens are ready for the sexual references, mild nudity, and occasional strong language.

TV themes & details

TV Details
TV Rating: TV-PG
Network: BBC America
Cast: Ben Miller, Geoffrey Whitehead, Sarah Alexander
Genre: Comedy
Where to watch: BBC America
This review was written by Emily Ashby
 
 

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Smileyfacegirl123
kid, 12 years old
13
 
I cant say anything bad about it. So funny
Absolutely hilarious. You have to see this. It will be the best thing you every watch. So funny. Please watch it. Best comedy every
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