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
Parents need to know that this series is essentially for adults. Humor is sometimes shallow and crude. Viewers' mature understanding of sexuality is assumed. Since Joey's sister's breast augmentation is a running topic, the breasts themselves are prominently featured. In the end, the ensemble fails at delivering consistent laughs for teens or parents.
Community Reviews
Report this review
What's the Story?
In JOEY, Matt LeBlanc continues in his Friends role of Joey Tribbiani, the sweet-but-slightly simpleminded friend who was better at getting women than acting jobs, except in Joey, things are reversed -- he lands roles on a hit series and in a big action movie, but struggles to find love. Having left his friends behind in New York to search for fame in Hollywood, Joey is now surrounded by family members -- nephew/roommate Michael (Paulo Costanzo), a brainy graduate student, and sister Gina (Drea de Matteo), a hairdresser. Joey also has a good female friend in the building, Alex (Andrea Anders), and a brash agent, Bobbie (Jennifer Coolidge, Best in Show, Legally Blonde). Episodes feature Joey trying to make friends, meet women, land parts, and deal with sitcom-esque scenarios that make fun of his less-than-sparkling intellect but highlight his good heart and childlike spirit.
Is It Any Good?
It might be easy to mistake Joey for a kid-friendly show given its family-centered topics. But episodes almost always incorporate some risqué humor and adult subject matter -- such as Joey trying to prove to his friend's husband that he isn't gay, or dealing with his attraction to an actress who is playing his daughter. But LeBlanc still brings a lot of talent to the role, so veteran fans may enjoy Joey, which was cancelled after two seasons but is available on DVD.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about a range of topics. Is Joey as appealing away from his other "friends"? Which TV spin-offs have been successful? Is the Tribbianis' living situation ideal or realistic? What does the show say about superficial side of Hollywood life?
TV Details
- Premiere date: September 9, 2004
- Cast: Drea de Matteo, Matt LeBlanc, Paulo Costanzo
- Network: NBC
- Genre: Comedy
- TV rating: TV-14
- Last updated: February 28, 2022
Our Editors Recommend
-
That '70s Show
Edgy sitcom keeps the '70s alive for older teens.
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