Parents' Guide to

Melissa & Joey

By Emily Ashby, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 13+

Former child stars' sitcom has grown-up edge.

TV Freeform Comedy 2010
Melissa & Joey Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this TV show.

Community Reviews

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age 15+

Based on 6 parent reviews

Ashley S.
Ashley S. Adult
January 31, 2018
age 16+

Main character behaves like an alcoholic

The constant "Mel can't live without alcohol" jokes point to an issue with this main character that is simply inappropriate for a family comedy. Fellow parents, please, just because a show is "cleaner" than most of the smut on TV right now doesn't mean you should keep lowering the bar and allowing kids to watch stuff like this. It may be "cleaner" in comparison to other shows, but that doesn't make it good either.

This title has:

Too much consumerism
Too much drinking/drugs/smoking
Mike M.
Mike M. Adult
February 14, 2016
age 14+

Horribly unfunny sitcom is boring and predictable. Skip it.

This show is incredibly cheesy and tries too hard to be funny. I really have no idea how it is still on the air. The jokes are very lame (e.g., the son uses the expression "Oh shirt!" in place of "Oh sh*t!" when he realizes he bought his girlfriend a top that she already has). The scenarios in every episode are repetitive and simply glossed over to **appear** different. The same themes are explored in a tired manner; themes such as sex, dating, teenage drug use, affairs, self-image, bullying. There's a surprising amount of sexual innuendo in the show, with sneaky references to masturbation, sexual role-play, and more. One episode has a lengthy bedroom scene between Melissa and Joey which, although is meant to be humorous, clearly contains some heavy sexual material. In the show, teenagers sneak out, get involved with the wrong crowd, there is discussion of teenage sex, etc. The language, however, is mild, but there are still a number of basic insults thrown around, such as "moron" and "idiot." Expect to roll your eyes multiple times while watching an episode. This show just does not deliver anything valuable or fresh to the already full sitcom bandwagon. Overall, skip this one. It's not worth your time, and it is definitely not family-friendly either.

This title has:

Too much sex
Too much drinking/drugs/smoking
See all 6 parent reviews

What's the Story?

MELISSA & JOEY centers on rising political star Mel (Melissa Joan Hart), whose fast-paced lifestyle gets a little more hectic with the arrival of her niece, Lennox (Taylor Spreitler), and nephew, Ryder (Nick Robinson), who end up in her care after their mom gets sent to jail and their dad skips town. In over her head, Mel decides to hire a nanny -- but fate sends her an unlikely rescuer in the form of Joe (Joey Lawrence), an unemployed finance guru who becomes the family's surprisingly capable "manny."

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (6 ):
Kids say (15 ):

First the good news: Hart and Lawrence could easily build careers playing opposite each other, with the chemistry they established in the TV movie My Fake Fiance carrying over to this new endeavor. Even in Mel and Joe's dislike of each other onscreen, it's easy to like the combination they create, and the show benefits from their presence. Unfortunately, the show as a whole doesn't quite measure up to the standards of its stars. Like the frazzled Mel, viewers are always one step behind the action, trying unsuccessfully to keep up with the show's frantic pace.

Still, there are some sweet moments as the show's unlikely family makes small progress in bonding, and the gender-role shake-up -- with Mel furthering her career and Joe holding down the fort at home -- livens things up. But overall, the show doesn't live up to its stars, and the use of strong language (mostly "ass" and "hell," but there's a surprising amount of it) and references to underage drinking and sex ensure that it's not for tweens.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about family members' roles within the household. How are responsibilities assigned in your home? What are your chores? Does gender play a role in who does what? Why or why not?

  • What defines a family? How has that definition changed over the years? How does the media reflect that change?

  • Teens: How do you deal with adversity? What resources do you have to cope with the difficulties in your life? What are some of the challenges you've overcome? Was the experience rewarding?

TV Details

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