Common Sense Media Review
By Kari Croop
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Love dramedy is aimed at adults' hearts, not kids'.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
What's the Story?
In CUPID (a remake of a short-lived 1998 series by the same name starring Jeremy Piven in the title role), level-headed psychiatrist Claire McRae (Sarah Paulson) does her best to keep tabs on Trevor Pierce (Bobby Cannavale) -- a charismatic new patient who believes himself to be the Roman god of love. According to Trevor, he must match 200 mortals in 100 true-love partnerships before he can win his way back onto Mt. Olympus, so he's determined to pair up as many singles as possible.
Is It Any Good?
If you're looking for a series about love with the feel of a neverending romcom, Cupid just might fill the bill ... but it won't quite sweep you off your feet. For starters, there's no palpable chemistry between Trevor and Claire, although you get the feeling from the script that there's supposed to be. And Cannavale's Cupid? Well, he certainly looks the part. But when he opens his mouth, he sounds more like a tough-talking extra from Goodfellas. It's a curious choice, to say the least.
Criticism aside, Cupid does pull off some effective tugs at the heart strings with scenes that evoke genuine emotion (and it does so in a much more charming way than a show like the now-canceled Valentine, a series about Greek gods and goddesses living on Earth). Whether it catches on is up to the viewing public, but at least its heart is in the right place.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the show's messages about love and relationships. Do you think it has a realistic, healthy take on what makes a relationship succeed? Why do so many shows revolve around romantic tension between main characters? Families can also discuss the myths and legends surrounding Cupid/Eros, the god of love and beauty who inspired the title character. Why is Cupid often associated with Valentine's Day, and what other influences has he had on our language and culture?
TV Details
- Premiere date : March 31, 2009
- Cast : Bobby Cannavale , Sarah Paulson
- Network : ABC
- Genre : Comedy
- TV rating :
- Last updated : September 21, 2019
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