Common Sense Media Review
By Robert Yaniz Jr.
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Popular brothers host goofy comedy advice show.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 12+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Listen
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's It About?
DEAR HANK & JOHN features "humorous and heartfelt advice about life's big and small questions." Author John Green (The Fault in Our Stars, Paper Towns) and YouTuber Hank Green (Crash Course, Sci Show) answer listener questions and react to the topics of the day. In most cases, this loosely structured conversation ends up taking the hosts down a number of tangents, such as one episode in which they spend time brainstorming a ridiculous new superhero character in real time. Regular segments also humorously address the news on Mars and English football club AFC Wimbledon.
Is It Any Good?
Rarely serious, Dear Hank & John doesn't have a specific goal in mind other than keeping listeners smiling and engaged. And it largely accomplishes that, particularly because of the rapport and chemistry between brothers John and Hank Green. Since it is driven by listener-submitted questions, this podcast gives them the chance to connect with each other and their fans in one fell swoop.
The downside is that much of Dear Hank & John's appeal is based on its hosts and, perhaps, listeners' interest in their work outside the podcast. Newcomers who have no familiarity with either host's other projects might not find themselves drawn in by the loose, conversational format. But others will likely get drawn into this particular brand of silliness.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how Dear Hank & John leans on the chemistry between the hosts instead of taking a more specific focus for the podcast. Is this more conversational approach more or less effective? Why?
Both John Green and Hank Green have had success with the young-adult market. How much of Dear Hank & John is an attempt for the hosts to foster a closer relationship with fans and stronger brand loyalty?
The central joke on Dear Hank & John is how the hosts give listeners "dubious advice" based on their questions. But is any of their feedback actually valuable, despite the humorous promise of the show?
Podcast Details
- Release date : June 8, 2015
- Genre : Comedy
- Run time : 45 minutes
- Website : https://complexly.com/shows/dear-hank-john
- Hosts : John Green , Hank Green
- Production Company and Network : Complexly
- Pricing structure : Free
- Topics : Family Stories ( Siblings )
- Last updated : October 2, 2025
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
Suggest an Update
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate