Parents' Guide to

I Just Want My Pants Back

By Emily Ashby, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 16+

Lots of sex, drinking in young adult-focused comedy.

TV MTV Comedy 2011
I Just Want My Pants Back Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

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

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What's the Story?

I JUST WANT MY PANTS BACK is a comedy series based on a novel of the same name by David Rosen; it tells the story of recent college grad Jason Strider (Peter Vack), who's drifting through his early 20s with little direction and even less ambition. Although hardly content at his entry-level job, he's in no hurry to hold himself to any lofty career goals, especially since doing so might interfere with his mediocre but carefree existence punctuated by partying and hooking up. Fortunately his best friend, Tina (Kim Shaw), is in his corner, and her ambiguity about life keeps him feeling secure in his own. The show's title refers to Jason's ongoing quest to reclaim his favorite pair of pants after his one-time sexual partner \"borrows\" them to get home after their night together, leaving him with a bogus phone number and thus no way to rectify his only regret from the encounter.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: Not yet rated
Kids say: Not yet rated

Lovable loser Jason romanticizes a life of mediocrity almost like a younger, modern-day George Costanza. He's goofy and uninspired, yet he still manages to surround himself with loyal friends and get a little action here and there -- which, after all, seems to be his main priority. Jason's blasé approach to life is an appealing escape from reality that's best appreciated by adults who've harbored their own fantasies of casting fate to the wind (and really, who hasn't?) but who can also recognize that such a lifestyle has major drawbacks.

As for the younger crowd, not only does this series warp reality and disregard normal consequences for the characters' carefree lifestyle, it's laden with casual sexual content that's presented as normal -- and at times, commendable -- behavior for this age group. What's more, the fact that drinking and drug use likely contribute to the promiscuity apparently isn't worth addressing. While most of what they see and hear on this show isn't likely to surprise older teens who are well-versed in edgier selections, there aren't any positive messages here. But if they do tune in, at least you can use it as a jumping-off point for conversations about sexuality, responsibility, and positive lifestyle choices.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about whether this show is realistic. Can you identify with the characters' uncertainties and lack of ambition? Do you think their lifestyle reflects the reality of their employment status? What consequences might their lifestyle choices earn them in the real world?

  • Teens: Who's the target audience for this series? Do you think the content is appropriate for teens? What messages do the characters' alcohol use and sexuality send to teens? If it's not intended for them, do you think adults would be interested in it? Why or why not?

  • What constitutes a relationship? How do relationships typically progress among your peers? How much of a factor is sex in dating? Do you think the media affects how teens think about sex?

TV Details

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Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

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