Mani
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Mani
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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 Mani is a comedy about an upper-class White family who hires a Black male nanny -- Mani -- to care for their daughter, Sky, and life begins to change drastically. The show is reminiscent of early seasons of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air when Will turns the Banks' household upside down with his colorful experiences and outlook on life; however, Mani is definitely not for young viewers. Racial stereotypes abound, from Mani's nonstop dancing to Sky's mother's Karen-esque demeanor and her dad's desperate attempts to be "down" with the new Black nanny. Additionally, Sky is seen cursing (though it is bleeped out) and using other inappropriate language ("basic b's") while roasting her friends. These friends are the same girls she drinks mocktails with while singing Rihanna lyrics -- "Cheers to the freakin' weekend!" at a sleepover. Mani's intentions are to build Sky's confidence, and he does -- however, the methods often include children behaving in less than optimal ways.
What's the Story?
In MANI, Sky's parents are on the hunt for a new nanny. After seeing so many candidates, they decide to hire Mani, a young Black man with unconventional style, loads of personality and even more dance moves. Sky's mother is at first appalled by Mani's childcare methods, until she realizes that Mani's ways are helping Sky to be more confident and assertive. What else will the family learn during Mani's tenure?
Is It Any Good?
There's lots to laugh about in this viral web series turned TV sitcom. Mani is a funny show, if you can get past kids partaking in grown-up behaviors and lots of racial stereotypes. But there are definitely some moments where viewers may be wondering if they should be laughing -- like those random scenes where Mani is dancing that go on for just a little longer than they need to. Nevertheless, it's a creative effort and a light social commentary that shows what can be accomplished when we look past our differences in order to achieve common goals.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about empathy in Mani. In what ways does Mani show empathy towards Sky? In what ways do Sky's parents show empathy towards Mani? What message about empathy is the show trying to promote?
What stereotypes do you notice in the characters? What point is the show trying to make by including the stereotypes? Do the stereotypes make the show funny or cringeworthy to watch?
Would you want Mani to be your caretaker or mentor? Why or why not?
TV Details
- Premiere date: August 31, 2017
- Cast: Lawrence Wayne Curry, Hayley LeBlanc, Bryson Robinson
- Networks: Brat, Peacock
- Genre: Comedy
- Topics: Adventures, Friendship, Middle School
- Character Strengths: Empathy, Teamwork
- TV rating: TV-14
- Last updated: December 13, 2022
Our Editors Recommend
-
The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air
Good-natured sitcom that the family can enjoy together.
-
In Living Color
Razor-sharp '90s humor has too much bite for kids.
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Saturday Night Live
Legendary late-night show funny for teens and up.
-
Grand Crew
Mature comedy expands Black characterizations on TV.
For kids who love comedy
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