Parents' Guide to

Gary Unmarried

By Melissa Camacho, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 13+

Post-divorce sitcom is optimistic and funny.

TV CBS Comedy 2008
Gary Unmarried Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

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

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age 14+

Based on 1 parent review

JimmyH
JimmyH Parent of 10 and 12-year-old
December 16, 2009
age 14+

This title has:

Too much sex
Too much swearing
See all 1 parent review

What's the Story?

GARY UNMARRIED follows newly divorced Gary Brooks (Jay Mohr) as he adjusts to being single after 15 years of marriage. It takes some getting used to, especially when it comes to sharing the responsibility for raising his kids -- teenage Tom (Ryan Malgarini) and cerebral Louise (Kathryn Newton) -- with ex-wife Allison (Paula Marshall). Gary's efforts to re-enter the dating scene lead to some awkward beginnings with new girlfriend Vanessa Flood (Jaime King), as well as to some bad advice from friend/employee Dennis Lopez (Al Madrigal). Making things even trickier is Allison's romantic relationship with their former marriage counselor, Dr. Walter Krandall (Ed Begley Jr.).

Is It Any Good?

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

Garry Unmarried is an amusing look at some of the challenges that men face when facing life after marriage. Overall, it sends a positive message about how it's possible for ex-spouses to get along with each other and put their children above everything else. That said, the show does fall back on some stereotypes about divorced couple: Allison often comes across as a controlling ex-wife and strict parent, while Gary is presented as the kids' fun, rule-bending father who lacks the intuition to understand his progeny's needs.

Despite these iffy characterizations and sometimes-biting quips between the exes -- plus some innuendo, drinking, and marital tension -- the show offers an optimistic, heartfelt view of one man's life and relationships. Although much of the racier content will go over kids' head, it's still mature enough that it's a more age-appropriate fit for young teens mature enough to handle the material.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about how the media presents divorced parents. Do you think divorced mothers are portrayed differently than divorced dads? If so, why and how? Do you think TV series and movies that show ex-spouses getting along are realistic? Families can also discuss the impact that divorce can have on families. What are some of the challenges kids face when their parents can no longer stay married? What are some of the challenges moms and dads face when they have to separate?

TV Details

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