Parents' Guide to

Freddie

By Jill Murphy, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 15+

Dumb premise with few laughs -- not recommended.

TV ABC Comedy 2005
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What's the Story?

Freddie Prinze Jr. stars as Freddie Moreno, the head chef at a trendy Chicago restaurant. Finally living on his own, he ends up taking in his family: His sister and niece move in after the breakdown of a marriage, his sister-in-law after the death of her husband, and his grandmother. Sidekick Brian Austin Green (of Beverly Hills, 90210 fame), plays Chris, the neighbor, best friend, and sexpert when it comes to the ladies.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: Not yet rated
Kids say: Not yet rated

How does the star of films like I Know What You Did Last Summer and She's All That transition from teen flicks to TV bachelor? Very poorly. Freddie Prinze Jr. spends most of the time on his series acting like, well, other popular TV characters that came before him -- namely invoking the spirit and comedic delivery of Friends' Joey (Matt LeBlanc). Freddie relies on stereotypes for its humor. Freddie and Chris are "typical" twenty-something guys who want casual sex without commitment. All the girls they pick up are, for the most part, dumb, easy, and desperate. And they're often referred to as such. Except for the ones that Freddie's related to, that is.

Freddie aims at redeeming its lead character by having him take in his family. Yet with all of this family in his home, Freddie's lifestyle has not changed. Rather, he asks girls that he brings home to keep it down so they don't wake anyone -- and of course the girls agree. Of course. A poor premise and racy content makes this inappropriate viewing for kids. A three minute wrap-up between Freddie and his sister at the end of each episode does not make Freddie a family comedy. If parents or adults decide to tune in, they're likely to be disappointed by the dumb jokes and tired cliches. Bottom line: There are so many better ways to spend a free half hour.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the carefree twenty-something lifestyle that is presented here. Is it realistic? They could also talk about the confusing portrayal of women here -- characters such as Freddie's young niece, grandmother, sister, and sister-in-law are treated with respect, but the women Freddie and Chris chase and hook up with are treated as disposable objects.

TV Details

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