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Parents' Guide to

Happy Endings

By Kari Croop, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 15+

Talky romcom runs on booze, puns, and innuendo.

TV ABC Comedy 2011
Happy Endings Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

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

Community Reviews

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age 13+

Based on 3 parent reviews

protective mommy '55
protective mommy '55 Adult
October 9, 2011
age 12+

Best Show, with hidden messages

The characters in the show, show strong guidence for their friends. It is actually one of the funniest shows I have ever watched. Although sex is discussed, it is mostly between a married couple, and the sexuality of a gay character. The show is very realistic and I believe it shows things I want my kids to be influenced by like trust, friendship,kindness, fun and togetherness. I deffinately think this is apropriate for young teens and up.
dr dew
dr dew Adult
October 3, 2011
age 13+

aw

well i love this show i think it is very funny and sweet but it is just too mature for my 3 younger siblings
See all 3 parent reviews

What's the Story?

It's not necessarily about HAPPY ENDINGS for longtime friends Dave (Zachary Knighton), Alex (Elisha Cuthbert), Jane (Eliza Coupe), Brad (Damon Wayans Jr.), Penny (Casey Wilson), and Max (Adam Pally) when Alex leaves Dave at the altar and takes off alone on their honeymoon, throwing their relationship -- and the group dynamic -- into a tailspin. But when Alex gets back to Chicago, the onetime lovers air their grievances and ultimately make peace as platonic friends.The only committed couple now is Alex's sister Jane and her husband, Brad, who support their single friends through the hilarity of dating.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (3 ):
Kids say (1 ):

Early on, you get the feeling that Happy Endings is desperately trying to secure one for itself so that it won't join the sad line of similarly themed sitcoms that got canceled because they couldn't find an audience. And, apparently, the show's producers are betting it all on breakneck banter with awkwardly forced "slanguage" like "bro," "dude," "deets," and -- in a particularly cringe-worthy instance -- "Lake Mich." (We dare you to find a Chicagoan who actually calls it that.)

The intent of a chatty script, of course, is to keep things moving comedically. But the effect here is a hyper-realized world that, while undeniably witty, at times feels a bit frantic and forced. Thankfully, that doesn't keep the laughs from coming ... it just distracts you when they do.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the show's writing style, particularly in terms of how the characters communicate. How realistic are these characters and their problems, and how does that relate to the way they speak? Is the show trying too hard to be clever?

  • Does the drinking on the show seem realistic? What would be the real consequences of drinking like they do on the show?

  • Do you think this show has a message when it comes to love, relationships, and marriage? Who has the healthiest outlook when it comes to love?

  • Is this the type of show that would appeal to lots of people or a very specific group? Who's the target audience here? How can you tell?

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 suggesting a diversity update.

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