Hey Dude
By Emily Ashby,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Classic Nick sitcom is cheesy but has merit for kids.
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What's the Story?
HEY DUDE chronicles the antics of a group of summer staff members at a fictional Arizona dude ranch owned by an awkward New York transplant, Mr. Ernst (David Brisbin). At the heart of the group are Ted (David Lascher), a well-meaning schemer, and his best friend, Danny (Joe Torres), a Hopi Native American. Sweet-tempered Melody (Christine Taylor) is the ranch's swim instructor who's often dragged in to Ted's plans, and the sharp-tongued Brad (Kelly Brown) teaches riding. Early episodes often centered on the love-hate relationship between friendly nemeses Ted and Brad, but after Lascher left the show, Ernst's nephew, Jake (Jonathan Galkin), was introduced as his replacement. Another staffer, Kyle (Geoffrey Coy), joined the fray later in the show's run.
Is It Any Good?
By any standard, this short-lived original Nickelodeon sitcom is pretty cheesy, but compared to the host of modern shows vying for the coveted tween market, its low-budget feel makes it a hard sell for viewers. On the upside, though, the teens are a likable bunch, and the troubles they encounter are realistic enough, typically focusing on misunderstandings, good-natured arguments that arise among them, or schemes that go awry. As they muddle through solving their problems, they pass along what they learn about friendship, responsibility, and peer pressure to viewers.
For some (namely parents), Hey Dude's slower pace and visual simplicity may be a welcome change from the often-hectic shows that today's kids typically watch. What's more, there's no fear of more modern issues like teen pregnancy or drug use making their way into the stories, so if your kids do want to tune in, there's no reason not to let them.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about friendship. What qualities do you look for in a friend? Do your friends share your interests and value system? Is diversity a strength among friends? What can you learn from respecting others' perspectives?
How does this show's style differ from that of other series you watch? Do these differences distract you from what the stories have to offer? What lessons did the story try to teach viewers? Do these messages come across clearly?
What is peer pressure? Have you ever been subjected to it? Why is it difficult to stand up against a group of people whose opinion differs from yours? What are some strategies to help you in situations like these? Can peers influence you in positive ways?
TV Details
- Premiere date: June 14, 1989
- Cast: Christine Taylor, David Lascher, Kelly Brown
- Network: TeenNick
- Genre: Comedy
- Topics: Friendship
- TV rating: TV-G
- Last updated: February 26, 2023
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