Head of the Class
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Head of the Class
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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 Head of the Class is a situation comedy that originally aired on ABC between 1986-1991. The show centers around a group of academically advanced students in an individualized honors program at the fictional Fillmore High School in Manhattan. Their regular routine of intensive studying for competitive Academic Olympics contests is broken when substitute teacher Charlie Moore (Howard Hesseman, WKRP in Cincinnati) enters their classroom. Mr. Moore is shocked by the students' rigidity and inflated egos, and he challenges them to try new things like attending a school dance and participating in an intramural volleyball team. It's family-friendly overall, but there are some outdated jokes about one character's weight and an insensitive portrayal of a transfer student from India.
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What's the Story?
After showing up late for his first day of substitute teaching at Fillmore High School, HEAD OF THE CLASS's Charlie Moore is surprised to find that the students in his first period class aren't quite what he expected. While he is eager to teach a lesson about the Cuban Missile Crisis, he's quickly shut down by the students in the individualized honors program for "wasting their time." They insist that Dr. Samuels, the school principal, doesn't like the substitute teachers to actually teach them anything, as they are too busy preparing for an Academic Olympics competition. Mr. Moore refuses to believe that they know everything there is to know about the Cuban Missile Crisis, and does not agree with Dr. Samuels instructions to "just babysit". We then learn that none of the students in IHP want to attend an upcoming school dance, which does not sit right with Mr. Moore. Over time, Mr. Moore helps the students loosen up a little; inspiring nerdy Arvid to ask a popular girl to the dance and other students to try new experiences outside of academics, with varied results.
Is It Any Good?
For everything that's changed in America since the mid-1980s, high school is an experience that remains mostly the same, and this series, though dated, speaks to that timelessness. There's renewed interest in Head of the Class now that it's being rebooted, and for all of the old shows being granted second chances in recent years, this one makes sense. Save for a few jokes that have been rightfully phased out of comedic acceptability, it holds up. Students are still expected to both excel academically and mature personally in a short amount of time, all while facing the pressures of their impending futures. They have every reason to be obsessed with grades and memorization of facts. As a result, it is still an important lesson to not only remind high-strung students to be more laid back, but for the adults in their lives to recognize the challenges they face daily.
For those who have a permanent space in their heart reserved for the classic sitcom formulas that so many of the shows we love are built on, Head of the Class feels like a warm hug. It's funny, familiar, and fast-paced, and yes, of course, there's a laugh track. Though there have been so many new shows that have broadened our understanding of what a sitcom is and what it can do, there is still a place for the cheesy, predictable shows which paved the way for all of the comedy we enjoy on TV today. That being said, this older expression of the sitcom genre just isn't for everyone anymore, and there's not anything particularly groundbreaking within Head of the Class to make it a must-watch. In addition, while some will enjoy the formulaic nature of the writing, some of the jokes just don't land anymore, particularly those having to do with one character, Dennis, and his weight. In fact, many episodes go by where Dennis has no main storylines whatsoever, and his only lines are met with mean-spirited retorts about his eating habits or body. While older kids may be able to be unaffected by the remarks, parents should be wary if they have body-conscious kids at home who may be negatively influenced by these constant quips and skip this title for something a bit more modern.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the students on the show. Talk to your kids about what it means to be labeled academically advanced while in school. What does that mean?
Families can also talk about the concept of work/life balance. What are some skills we can practice in order to be the best student, worker, family member, and person we want to be? Why does balance matter?
TV Details
- Premiere date: September 17, 1986
- Cast: Howard Hesseman, Billy Connolly
- Network: ABC
- Genre: Comedy
- Topics: Friendship, High School
- TV rating: TV-G
- Last updated: February 4, 2023
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