Parents' Guide to

Coach

By Audrey Shapiro, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 9+

College football comedy scores. OK for tweens.

TV Syndicated Comedy 1989
Coach Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this TV show.

  • Coach TV Show: Scene #1
  • Coach TV Show: Scene #2
  • Coach TV Show: Scene #3

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age 16+

Based on 1 parent review

ernieclementine
ernieclementine Adult
December 13, 2019
age 16+

an underrated sitcom from the 90s

Coach is a long running 90s sitcom that lasted 9 seasons. But it has gone under the radar some compared to more popular sitcoms from that era like Seinfeld, Friends, and Roseanne. Coach has excellent acting from its core cast of Craig T. Nelson as Hayden Fox, Jerry Van Dyke as Luther Van Dam, Bill Fagerbakke as Dauber Dybinski, and Shelley Fabares as Hayden's long time girlfriend and eventual wife Christine Armstrong. And there are a whole bunch of funny episodes. There is some language and God's name is used in vain too much. There is also premarital sex and talk of one night stands which does not make it suitable for younger children.

This title has:

Too much sex
Too much swearing
See all 1 parent review

What's the Story?

IN COACH, Craig T. Nelson stars as Hayden Fox, head coach of a fictional division I-A college football team -- the Minnesota State University Screaming Eagles. Loosely modeled after University of Iowa coach Hayden Frye, Coach Fox is an old-school, no-nonsense man's man. He's aided by (and plays straight man to) his two assistant coaches/loyal sidekicks -- cheerful but vacuous Luther Van Dam (Jerry Van Dyke) and perpetual dim-witted student Dauber Dybinski (Bill Fagerbakke). There are several smart, strong women vying for Hayden's attention: his television reporter fiancé Christine Armstrong (Shelley Fabares) and his college-aged daughter Kelly (Clare Carey), to whom Hayden plays a doting and protective father. The talented ensemble cast is also enriched by Pam Stone, who plays Hayden's chief rival, women's basketball coach Judy Watkins; Kriss Kamm as Kelly's boyfriend, Stuart Rosebrock; and Kenneth Kimmins as annoying college athletic director Howard Burleigh.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (1):
Kids say (6):

This series epitomizes many of the reasons people end up watching their favorite shows for seasons on end. It has a comforting rhythm: Each episode begins with a tight comedic scene that showcases good writing and strong acting before segueing into a catchy, energetic theme song that virtually compels you to tap along in rhythm. A problem is introduced, and resolution is almost always found within the allotted 30 minutes.

Coach's funny and sometimes touching storylines benefit from strong writing, talented acting, and great on-screen chemistry. Most of the dilemmas Hayden faces are family-friendly fare; the show shouldn't raise too many eyebrows for parents of tweens and older kids.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about what it might be like to be a professional coach. What does the pressure of winning mean for both a coach's career and a school's reputation?

  • Coach Fox is serious about sports and a kind man. How do his views about football and competition temper his relationships with the strong women in his life?

  • How can team sports and the concept of sportsmanship provide perspective in the face of challenges and difficulties and help people make good decisions? Why is teamwork an important character strength?

TV Details

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