Parents' Guide to

Huff

By Brenda Kienan, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 18+

Edgy, smart drama with stellar cast; adults only.

TV Showtime Drama 2004
Huff Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

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

  • Huff TV Show: Scene #1
  • Huff TV Show: Scene #2
  • Huff TV Show: Scene #3

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What's the Story?

HUFF's Dr. Craig "Huff" Huffstodt (Hank Azaria) is a great guy and a successful psychiatrist who was living a wonderful life until, in the series premiere, a 15-year-old patient killed himself in Huff's office. In the aftermath, Huff sees himself as a caregiver, but finds that he can't save everyone -- or maybe even anyone, including himself. Huff's best friend, Russell Tupper (Oliver Platt), provides counterpoint to Huff: Bed-hopping, drugs, and drinking are Russell's hobbies, and he is verbally abusive to his no-nonsense assistant. Meanwhile, Huff's mother, Izzy (Emmy-winning Blythe Danner), anesthetizes her emotional pain with alcohol; his mother-in-law, Madeline (Swoosie Kurtz), refuses painkillers in the late stages of cancer (because she "might miss something"); Huff's mentally ill brother, Teddy (Andy Comeau), is all angst and confusion trying to find stability; Huff's adolescent son, Byrd (Anton Yelchin), looks like the most stable member of the family but secretly breaks into other people's houses for mysterious reasons; and Huff's sexy, complicated wife, Beth (Paget Brewster), loves him but struggles with his issues as well as her own. A mysterious "homeless Hungarian" (Jack Laufer) appears to Huff in key moments -- part conscience, part guardian, part imaginary friend, this apparition may or may not be an indicator of Huff's own mental-health crisis.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say Not yet rated
Kids say (1 ):

Huff is rich with brilliantly drawn characters, provocative themes, and sharp writing. A stellar ensemble cast and outstanding guest stars (such as Lara Flynn Boyle, Anjelica Houston, and Sharon Stone) deliver extraordinary performances. For adults prepared to cope with its complicated themes and characters, this is a show well worth watching.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about all the ways people avoid their feelings about difficult issues. What works for the characters in Huff as they tackle or avoid life's issues, and what doesn't?

  • How does this show portray drug use? Even for prescribed medications, do these characters use them safely and healthily?

  • What kinds of relationships sustain us, and what kinds are toxic? Can people save each other? Can someone be saved when he or she does not want to be saved?

  • Does having money assure these characters personal security or a satisfying life?

TV Details

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