Common Sense Media Review
By Kari Croop
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Offbeat workplace sitcom fun, but without much teen appeal.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
What's the Story?
On the brink of turning 40, Sunshine Center sports complex manager Ben (Matthew Perry) begins to wonder whether he'll ever be happy. But how can he when, in truth, he doesn't really care about anything -- not to mention the fact that he spends most of his time putting out fires set by his unpredictable boss (Allison Janney) and trying to find a suitable position for her well-meaning son (Nate Torrence)? There's even more at stake, however, when Ben learns that his "friend with benefits" (Andrea Anders) is in a relationship with a former sports star (James Lesure), who just so happens to be a genuinely nice guy.
Is It Any Good?
In an oddly analogous way, MR. SUNSHINE is a lot like The Muppet Show. In one episode, a put-upon Ben makes a Kermit-esque effort to manage a literal three-ring circus (complete with a visiting troupe of clowns), pull his boss down from a prescription-drug high, and sort out his feelings for a pretty co-worker, all the while working through technical issues so the show can go on that night and planning for the arrival of the Sunshine Center's next big act. It's no wonder he's unhappy. (But as a certain frog once said, it's not easy being green.)
Viewers don't get a rotating roster of guest stars, talking pigs, or song-and-dance numbers. But with Mr. Sunshine, we do get a genuinely funny look at the behind-the-scenes mayhem that goes into bringing large-scale entertainment to the masses. And the show boasts strong writing and spot-on casting (with stand-out work from Janney, Lesure, and Anders). But will teens relate to the midlife quandaries and workplace dramas of Mr. Sunshine? The forecast is cloudy.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about workplace relationships, particularly the challenges and risks involved with dating someone you work with. Is it a good idea to start a relationship with someone you work with? What can go wrong?
Is Ben a character we're supposed to sympathize with or slightly despise? How does he measure up as a role model -- and how does he compare to Alonzo?
Are some people inherently happier than others, or is happiness something you have to work at? Do you consider yourself to be a happy person?
TV Details
- Premiere date : February 9, 2011
- Cast : Allison Janney , Andrea Anders , Matthew Perry
- Network : ABC
- Genre : Comedy
- TV rating :
- Last updated : October 9, 2022
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