Common Sense Media Review
By Emily Ashby
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Former child stars' sitcom has grown-up edge.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Melissa & Joey
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 5 parent reviews
Based on 13 kid reviews
Kids say the show is entertaining and funny, but the humor often contains adult themes that may go over the heads of younger viewers. Many recommend it for teens and older due to its more mature jokes and evolving storylines, while some emphasize its enjoyable nature for family watching.
- funny show
- adult themes
- good for teens
- family dynamics
- positive energy
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
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?
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
- Premiere date : August 17, 2010
- Cast : Joey Lawrence , Melissa Joan Hart
- Network : Freeform
- Genre : Comedy
- TV rating :
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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