Common Sense Media Review
By Melissa Camacho
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
So-so pursuit-of-fame comedy has lots of cursing, innuendo.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 16+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Huge in France
What's the Story?
HUGE IN FRANCE is a semi-autobiographical comedy series starring French comedian Gad Elmaleh. Elmaleh is a famous comedian in France but has decided to move to Los Angeles to reignite his career and to be closer to his estranged teen son, Luke (Jordan Ver Hoeve). He quickly discovers that being a big star in another country doesn't help him very much in Los Angeles. Meanwhile, he must contend with his ex, Vivian (Erinn Hayes), and compete with her long-term boyfriend, actor and model Jason Alan Ross (played by Matthew Del Negro), for Luke's affections. As he navigates his way around with the help of his inexperienced, French-appointed personal assistant, Brian Kurihara (Scott Keiji Takeda), he tries to cope with his new life.
Is It Any Good?
This bland comedy series tells the typical story of a narcissistic man leaving everything behind to rebuild his life and family. However, what attempts to set Huge in France apart is the fact that Elmaleh was a superstar, once considered the Jerry Seinfeld of French comedy. However, the incessant jokes about his fame grow stale rather quickly, as his expectations of star treatment and instant success are dashed within minutes of getting off the plane in the United States. Even appearances by Seinfeld himself and other comics like Chris D'Elia don't do much to save it. The highlight of each episode is Scott Keiji Takeda, whose deadpan performance provides some smile-worthy lines. Ultimately, despite Gad Elmaleh's real comedy success in the U.S., the laughs here just aren't huge enough.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the difficulty of becoming a successful Hollywood celebrity for those from other countries. What do you think some of the challenges are?
Why do you think so many comedians curse in their comedy routines? Is swearing necessary to be funny?
Is the humor in Huge in France designed to meet the expectations of U.S. audiences? Are there elements of the series that might work better for French audiences?
TV Details
- Premiere date : April 12, 2019
- Cast : Gad Elmaleh , Scott Keiji Takeda , Jordan Ver Hoeve
- Network : Netflix
- Genre : Comedy
- TV rating :
- Last updated : October 5, 2022
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