Parents' Guide to Hapless

TV Peacock Comedy 2024
Hapless TV show poster: actor Tim Downie seated behind a laptop with a smirk on his face

Common Sense Media Review

Joly Herman By Joly Herman , based on child development research. How do we rate?

age 15+

Bawdy British comedy's got language and sexual humor.

Parents Need to Know

Why Age 15+?

Any Positive Content?

Parent and Kid Reviews

What's the Story?

Paul Green (Tim Downie, Good Omens) is a journalist for a British Jewish newspaper called "The Jewish Enquirer" in HAPLESS. He's tasked with everything from interviewing a new fire chief to taste-testing fruits from different stores. Often, though, he can be found cruising ladies in the kosher foods department of the local grocery story with his buddy, Simon (Josh Howie). His sister and dad come up with all kinds of shenanigans to mix Paul up in. Will he break the big story for his little paper? Will he learn to get out of his own way?

Is It Any Good?

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

Madcap, bawdy, and sometimes lewd, this goofy comedy tries to bring Jewish humor to the British small screen. It doesn't always succeed, though: Maybe the stakes aren't high enough for Tim Downie's journalist, Paul, in Hapless. He always seems to get away with being a schmuck.

Fans of Curb Your Enthusiasm might warm up to the show after a few episodes, but the humor is lacking. A fun diversion that could use a little more heart.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about communication in Hapless. The main character, a reporter, sometimes fills space in a newspaper with fluff, rather than sharing important news. What makes for proper news?

  • Journalists tend to stick to a code of telling the truth of what they observe backed up by facts. Where can you find examples of journalistic integrity?

  • The main character in this show goofs up a lot, but he keeps trying to succeed. How does perseverance show up in your life?

TV Details

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Hapless TV show poster: actor Tim Downie seated behind a laptop with a smirk on his face

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