In the House
Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.
In the House
Did we miss something on diversity?
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.
Suggest an Update
A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this TV show.
What Parents Need to Know
In the House is a fun flashback to the multi-camera sitcoms of yore, featuring LL Cool J and Debbie Allen navigating an Odd Couple-esque dynamic as reluctant housemates, forced to rely on the other. There's mild language, but the show's made to be enjoyed by the whole family. Expect plenty of sexual innuendo and gender-specific sexism (despite being intended as humor). Overall, the narratives throughout the series promote integrity and perseverance. In the House was created by Winifred Hervey (The Golden Girls, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air), who often was the only woman of color in writers rooms in the 1980s-2000s.
Community Reviews
There aren't any reviews yet. Be the first to review this title.
What's the Story?
IN THE HOUSE, airing from 1995 to 1999 (get ready to giggle along with a laugh track) features LL Cool J (Lip Sync Battle) -- then, primarily known as a rapper -- playing former football player Marion Hill, who, sidelined by an injury and in need of cash, is forced to move into an apartment above his garage and rent out the rest of his home. Jackie Warren, played by Debbie Allen (Fame), a recently divorced mom and her two kids, teenage Tiffany (Maia Campbell) and elementary-aged Austin (Jeff Wood), become Marion's tenants. When Jackie has problems employing a reliable nanny, she enlists Marion's help; how will this unlikely arrangement work out?
Is It Any Good?
It's a pleasure to see LL Cool J at the coolest of his coolness and the inimitable Debbie Allen's comedy and charisma anchor this sitcom. Families will enjoy the many celebrity cameos throughout the series, particularly from folks whose talents endured in the public space for decades. In the House guest appearances include RuPaul, George Takei, a 19-year-old Kobe Bryant, and many more.
In the House isn't without its flaws, but overall it represents a critical cultural stepping stone toward normalizing Black stories in popular television. Try to think about it like this: Just like revisiting the words scrawled into our adolescent diaries, we might come across more cringe than we'd prefer. Talk to your kids about the shifts in culture that have happened since In the House aired, and consider what positive impacts it made for representation and diversity in television.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about In the House and the contributions Debbie Allen and LL Cool J have made (and continue to make) in the entertainment industry, particularly in light of the barriers they have cleared while making space for other aspiring Black artists.
Why is it important to be able to identify sexism? How can watching something from a not-so-distant era teach us useful critical-thinking tools to use today?
In the House includes a cast retool in later seasons; does it strengthen or detract from the series?
TV Details
- Premiere date: April 10, 1995
- Cast: LL Cool J, Debbie Allen, Alfonso Ribeiro, Maia Campbell, Kim Wayans
- Network: HBO Max
- Genre: Comedy
- TV rating: NR
- Last updated: May 25, 2022
Our Editors Recommend
-
A Different World
Cosby Show spin-off showcases college life.
-
The Golden Girls
Funny senior housemates crack wise; teens and up.
-
The Steve Harvey Show
Kotter-like comedy with music; for tweens.
For kids who love black stories
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate