Night Court

TV review by Sierra Filucci, Common Sense Media
Night Court Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 13+

Silly courtroom antics from the 1980s.

Syndicated, TV Land Comedy 1984
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Parents say

age 15+

Based on 2 reviews

Kids say

age 10+

Based on 1 review

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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 1980s sitcom features a lecherous character whose primary motive is to have sex with attractive women. He hits on women constantly and frequently engages in sexual banter. Some episodes include people holding guns in a threatening manner, but it's always presented in slapstick fashion. Women dressed like prostitutes often play background roles. Some of the material addressed in the courtroom includes violence or societal ills, though such issues are always treated lightly.

Community Reviews

Godfrey Freeman
Godfrey Freeman Adult
September 27, 2021
age 14+

50 dollars, plus time served

Promotes good humanist values in the early seasons, but is not particularly PC. Dan Fielding's antics are not for kids.

This title has:

Great messages
AntonKreitzer
AntonKreitzer Adult
December 2, 2011
age 16+

Great for adults

but not recommended for kids. This and Married... with Children are the most racy shows I watch nowadays, as the humour and characters in both overcome the promiscuous, adult content. The biggest concern is one Reinhold Daniel Fielding - one of the most promiscuous characters to ever hit television. He is ALWAYS looking for a one night stand, but he often gets his just desserts - if he didn't, I would have to rate this show as not for kids. This being said, some of the other characters, notably Selma, often undertake adult situations or use adult language. Most of the cases are of an adult nature, although Judge Harry is often amusing with his magic tricks and obsession with Mel Torme. As for other characters, Lana, Billie and Christine are strong leading women, Selma, Bull and Flo are hilarious bailiffs, Roz not as much, and Mack rounds out the team as the straight guy. There was a reason this was originally on at 9.30pm at night - IT'S NOT FOR KIDS! The vast majority of minors wouldn't get it anyway.

This title has:

Too much sex
Too much swearing
Too much drinking/drugs/smoking
See all 2 parent reviews

What's the Story?

The legal staff of a New York City courtroom are the main characters in the popular 1980s sitcom NIGHT COURT. The show follows the antics of young Judge Harold Stone (Harry Anderson), lecherous Assistant District Attorney Dan Fielding (John Larroquette), seemingly dumb Bailiff "Bull" Shannon (Richard Moll), and naïve public defender Christie Sullivan (Markie Post). Judge, lawyers, and bailiffs eat together in the cafeteria, meet in the judge's office, and work in the courtroom while trading silly stories and one-liners. The comedy often centers on ridiculous scenarios -- such as when a defendant who believes that he's a native of Saturn takes the staff hostage with demands for materials to make an intergalactic transmitter.

Is It Any Good?

Amidst the gags come some serious moments, like when Harry and the Saturn man discuss the quest for utopia, or when Harry listens resignedly to the radio news announcing murders and sewage leaks. But the real star of the show, at least in the series' later seasons, is Larroquette. His slimy, narcissistic Dan is continually hitting on attractive women and reminiscing about sexual exploits. Dan is clearly meant to be a buffoon, and his lechery is part of his absurdity. He often finds himself at the mercy of the women he hits on, which lightens the otherwise sexist dynamic.

Teens might enjoy Night Court for its silliness and appealing characters, though it's peppered with pop culture references (Punky Brewster, anyone?) that will make no sense to them. The constant sexual innuendo may be more than parents feel is appropriate, but they should know that it's approached with extreme levity.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about John Larroquette's character. What makes Dan appealing despite his icky personality? How would his behavior be handled in the real world? Do teens know any people like him? How do they interact with this type of person? Why are personality traits like Dan's exaggerated on television? Does it make them funnier?

TV Details

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