Common Sense Media Review
By Melissa Camacho
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Tyler Perry comedy features mild laughs and innuendo.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 12+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Love Thy Neighbor
What's the Story?
Written, produced, and directed by Tyler Perry, LOVE THY NEIGHBOR is a comedy series starring Patrice Lovely as Mae Love, the feisty owner of the The Love Train Diner. While her daughter Linda (Kendra C. Johnson) struggles with married life, her adult son Danny (Andre Hall) is learning how to navigate the world of adulthood. Unfortunately, he's easily distracted by his partying roommate Sam (Jonathan Chase), and their attractive co-workers Marianna and Drew (played by Zulay Henao and Darmirra Brunson). Adding to the fray is the ever-present Uncle Floyd (Palmer Williams). There's never a dull moment, and throughout it all, Mae bluntly offers her thoughts and advice. But in the end, they never stop being there for each other.
Is It Any Good?
The series offers a television version of Perry's popular character, Madea, through Mae Love, whose strong personality and no-nonsense attitude is designed to help communicate funny -- but teachable -- moments. Some of the family dynamics are also reminiscent of some classic Mama's Family episodes, too. But the plot lines are predictable, and occasionally the comedic timing falls a little flat.
The characters are likable, but outside of Mae, they are woefully underdeveloped, and are more like superficial caricatures than people you want to spend time watching. There's simply not enough focus on Mae to really understand who she is and how she sees the world, either. Nonetheless, folks who like Perry's signature comedy style may find it entertaining.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the way families are represented in TV and films. What are the media's most famous television and movie families? Why do they stand out? Does the way the media represents families create stereotypes about what families should look like, or do they challenge them?
What makes a comedy funny? Is it the characters? The plots? The jokes? When does a comedy go too far for a laugh? How does someone's culture factor into the way humor is presented and/or understood?
TV Details
- Premiere date : May 29, 2013
- Cast : Andre Hall , Kendra C. Johnson , Patrice Lovely
- Network : OWN
- Genre : Comedy
- TV rating :
- Last updated : September 19, 2019
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
Suggest an Update
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