Common Sense Media Review
By Sierra Filucci
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Tired gender humor is drowning in alcohol.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
My Boys
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 : Friendship
- TV rating :
- Last updated : October 1, 2025
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