Parents' Guide to Free Agents

TV NBC Comedy 2011
Free Agents Poster Image

Common Sense Media Review

Melissa Camacho By Melissa Camacho , based on child development research. How do we rate?

age 16+

Adult-oriented comedy has lots of sexual content, drinking.

Parents Need to Know

Why Age 16+?

Any Positive Content?

Parent and Kid Reviews

What's the Story?

FREE AGENTS, a sitcom based on the same-named British series, stars Hank Azaria and Kathryn Hahn as two single corporate public relations executives who unexpectedly find companionship outside of the office. Newly divorced Alex is struggling to adjust to his life as a middle-aged single man, and Helen can't seem to pull herself together a year after her fiance's death. When a night of drinking leads to an unanticipated hook-up, the two find themselves building an awkward relationship. They try to keep it private from their well-intentioned but nosy co-workers -- including their boss, Stephen (Anthony Head); single guy Dan (Mo Mandel); and geeky Gregg (Al Madrigal), the only married man in the group. Feisty executive assistant Emma (Natasha Leggero) and night security guard Walter (Joe Lo Truglio) are always quick to offer their thoughts and advice, too. While Alex and Helen struggle to define their casual-but-intimate connection, they must also come to terms with the fact that finding love again can be pretty complicated.

Is It Any Good?

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

Free Agents explores the trials and tribulations that come with dating and finding companionship after the end of a long-term relationship. It also suggests that casual sexual encounters are way of coping with problems and potentially finding more meaningful relationships.

The characters are likable, and the show has its share of witty moments. But the constant (and often strong) sexual banter is sometimes so overused that the humor falls flat. Ultimately, it's a show that's best left for older viewers.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the way the media depicts sex and relationships. What does the term "casual sex" mean? How does the media define it? Should having sex be presented as a necessary part of starting or being in a relationship?

  • When is it appropriate for kids or teens to be watching TV shows or films with strong sexual content? Can kids contextualize the sexual jokes in a show like this? What do teens think about the adults' actions in this show?

TV Details

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

Free Agents Poster Image

What to Watch Next

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