Parents' Guide to

House of Payne

By Lucy Maher, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 11+

No-frills sitcom is lackluster in every way.

TV Syndicated, TBS Comedy 2006
House of Payne 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 12+

Based on 10 parent reviews

Ms. M.
Ms. M. Adult
January 7, 2023
age 8+

Great moral lessons--and a laugh track

Moral lessons in each episode. Family-centered and reminiscent of the 90s and early 2000s TV sitcom hits. Acting and writing quality could use some work; however, it's on par with Disney, Nickelodeon, CW, and FAR better than Full(er) House. This is a safe bet if you're looking for a good show that's safe for kids and doesn't condone being rude to others. I don't think there is any drinking, smoking, swearing, or drugs--not even for adults.

This title has:

Great messages
Quintina8
Quintina8 Adult
October 18, 2021
age 13+

GET RID OF LISA

The new season is rather boring. I wish they would get rid of Lisa- horrible actor! Curtis already does the most; therefore, they don't need an extra! It's horrible!
See all 10 parent reviews

What's the Story?

In HOUSE OF PAYNE, a syndicated sitcom created and directed by filmmaker Tyler Perry (Diary of a Mad Black Woman), viewers follow Atlanta fireman CJ Payne (New Jack City's Allen Payne -- it's coincidental that they share the same last name) as he and his two kids move into his parents' home after his drug-addicted wife burns down their house to cover their debt. (Laughing yet?) CJ often butts heads with his strong-willed but well-meaning parents, Ella (Cassie Davis) and Curtis (Lavan Davis). The three disagree on everything from personal hygiene to child-rearing and further test each other's patience when CJ's wife returns from rehab and re-enters their lives. Larramie Shaw and China McCain co-star as Curtis' two children, Malik and Jasmine, and Denise Burse plays nosey neighbor Claretha.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (10):
Kids say (4):

Perry has lots of fans, but even his alter-ego Madea couldn't infuse enough life into the mediocre House of Payne to make it stand out from the crowd. House of Payne's storyline is an interesting one, in that viewers essentially see a single father raising his kids with the help of his parents. But amateurish acting and a low-quality set detract from any originality. What's more, the writing at times verges on the offensive. At one point, Curtis tells CJ that all black people have high blood pressure, to which the lighter-skinned CJ responds that he doesn't. His father's retort? "I said black, not beige."

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about drug abuse and its consequences. Why is it a bad idea to do drugs? How can you say no when all your friends might be experimenting? Do you think drugs should be illegal?

TV Details

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