Great News

TV review by Melissa Camacho, Common Sense Media
Great News Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 13+

Lighthearted newsroom sitcom stars lots of comedy veterans.

NBC Comedy 2017
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Parents say

age 13+

Based on 1 review

Kids say

age 10+

Based on 1 review

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A Lot or a Little?

The parents' guide to what's in this TV show.

What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that Great News is a workplace and family comedy that features a strong mother-daughter relationship. There's some strong language and occasional humorous threats of violence, plus a bit of sexual innuendo. Fans of shows like 30 Rock will enjoy the goofy humor, and families with teens can certainly watch together.

Community Reviews

Media expert 27
Media expert 27 Adult
May 8, 2017
age 13+

Only watched one episode of the show so far but it seems hilarious

I had been debating whether to watch this show or not well finally my curiosity got the best of me and I tried it and I gotta admit it's pretty damn funny I laughed out loud several times and I will definitely keep watching the show defenetly the best replacement for trial and error

This title has:

Great messages
Too much sex
Too much swearing
Too much consumerism
Too much drinking/drugs/smoking
See all 1 parent review

What's the Story?

GREAT NEWS is a comedy series about a producer, her mom, and the staff of a fictitious news show. Katie (Briga Heelan) is a 30-year-old news producer who is questioning her career choices. Meanwhile, her doting mom Carol (Andrea Martin) decides to pursue her own dreams and lands an internship at the Breakdown, which just happens to her daughter's news show. Katie doggedly works with the colorful news team, including mismatched show anchors Chuck Pierce (John Michael Higgins) and Portia (Nicole Richie), executive producer Greg (Adam Campbell), video editor Justin (Horatio Sanz), and meteorologist Beth (played by Winfield), to produce their national show with some sort of journalistic integrity. There's never a dull moment, but throughout it all, Katie realizes that her mom supports her every step of the way.

Is It Any Good?

This lighthearted comedy series offers lots of quirky characters and fun banter, with a style reminiscent of shows like 30 Rock and Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt. There's some quick wit throughout, but the humor isn't always sharp enough to avoid some clunky moments.

Great News does offer lots of silly fun. It's full of seasoned comedy veterans, most of whom are able to deliver. But the jokes can be inconsistent, on the verge of producing laugh-out-loud moments but not always making it. Nonetheless, there's enough here to keep you entertained, even if the overall show needs a little polish.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about who decides when something is funny (or not). When do jokes or gags go too far? Do you think Great News is funny?

  • Great News features a very strong mother-daughter relationship between Carol and Katie. Does Katie rely too much on her mom, even though she's an adult? Does Carol go too far when it comes to protecting her daughter? How does this relationship work when they're in the office versus at home?

TV Details

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