Common Sense Media Review
By Marty Brown
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Iconic 1990s show features mild sex, violence.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 10+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Martin
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
Martin stars comedian Martin Lawrence as boisterous radio personality Martin Payne, who spends most of his free time with his girlfriend, Gina (Tisha Campbell), and best friends Cole (Carl Anthony Payne II) and Tommy (Thomas Mikal Ford). Driven by pride and aspiring to be famous, Martin's plans and schemes often go sideways, dragging Gina and his crew into trouble with him.
Is It Any Good?
The series itself was iconic in its own time, and inspired nearly as many catchphrases as, say, Seinfeld or Friends. But Martin's legacy is marred by a lawsuit in which Lawrence's co-star Tisha Campbell accused him of sexual harassment. Ahead of a 2022 reunion, Campbell said the two "worked really hard to forgive and reconnect." Thirty years after the show aired, its groundbreaking aspects mostly hold up, and both the predominantly Black cast and the broad comedic chops Lawrence uses when playing a host of supporting characters show a side of American culture that (still) doesn't typically have a place on TV.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Martin's format. What is unique about the series? Are there any shows like it currently on TV?
How do the supporting characters that Lawrence plays hold up today? Is the comedy still funny? Is the audience expected to be laughing at or with the characters?
What are some notable ways that Martin represents Black culture? How does the series avoid or subvert Black stereotypes? How has the audience's perspective changed since the show originally aired?
TV Details
- Premiere date : August 27, 1992
- Cast : Carl Anthony Payne II
- Network : Fox
- Genre : Comedy
- TV rating :
- Award : NAACP Image Award - NAACP Image Award Winner
- Last updated : October 3, 2024
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