My Boys
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 suggesting a diversity update.
Suggest an Update
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 this sitcom deals with dating and relationships, both romantic and platonic. Every episode involves drinking alcohol, often to drunkenness. The show features stereotypical characters and scenarios, like a husband who lies to his overbearing wife so he can go drinking with his buddies. There's some kissing, minor groping, and lots of discussion about sex and the dynamics involved in sexual relationships. Characters use mild adult language frequently.
Community Reviews
ugh..
Report this review
Report this review
What's the Story?
In cable sitcom MY BOYS, PJ Franklin (Jordana Spiro) is a girl who's one of the guys. She's a sports writer with a posse of male friends and tastes that run from beer to poker. She's also single, attractive, and confused about how to merge romance with her friendships. Each episode is narrated by PJ using sports metaphors like \"team chemistry,\" \"the slump,\" and \"managers.\"
Is It Any Good?
As far as sitcoms go, My Boys' premise is a little different than standard-issue office- or family-oriented shows, and the main character is likeable. But unfortunately, the writing doesn't veer from stereotypical portrayals of men (and women). All the men (and PJ) drink constantly, eat only junk food, and play poker regularly. One character prides himself on the huge number of women he's slept with and dumped. Another complains constantly about his wife's "short leash" and constantly plots to deceive her so he can hang out with the guys.
Some generalizations might be expected with a series oriented around gender, but some of the jokes go too far into icky territory. After ladies-man Mike (Jamie Kaler) gives dating advice to nerdy Kenny (Michael Bunin), Kenny jokes, "Chloroform, then duct tape," and Mike answers, "Whatever it takes." If only because of the extreme amount of drinking embedded in the show, many parents will want teens to steer clear. But storylines revolving around dating and casual sex, dialogue about dysfunctional relationships, and general stereotyping are the real reasons to avoid My Boys.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about gender dynamics. What makes a woman girly or "one of the guys"? What is typical guy behavior? Girl behavior? What do we mean by "typical"? Do the characters in the show reflect the men or women in your family's life?
TV Details
- Premiere date: November 28, 2006
- Cast: Jim Gaffigan, Jordana Spiro, Kyle Howard
- Network: TBS
- Genre: Comedy
- Topics: Sports and Martial Arts, Friendship
- TV rating: TV-14
- Last updated: February 28, 2022
Our Editors Recommend
-
The Drew Carey Show
Mature sitcom is big on laughs, short on values.
-
Friends
Hilarious sitcom for adults and older teens.
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