Common Sense Media Review
By Melissa Camacho
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Sex, profanity, suicide, mental illness in queer traumedy.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Please Like Me
What's the Story?
PLEASE LIKE ME stars comedian Josh Thomas as Josh, an awkward almost-21-year-old who unexpectedly finds himself moving back into his family home. After being dumped by his girlfriend, Claire (Caitlin Stasey); coming to terms with his sexuality with the help of Patrick (Charles Cottier), his roommate's co-worker; and learning about his mother Rose's (Debra Lawrance) attempted suicide—all within a 24-hour period—his life is in shambles. Adjusting to living with his depressed mum isn't easy for Josh, who has done his best to avoid drama and emotions as best he can. Adding to the chaos are his father, Alan (David Roberts); Alan's girlfriend, Mae (Renee Lim); Josh's Aunty Peg (Judi Farr); and Ginger (Denise Drysdale), a patient at the hospital where Rose is receiving treatment. Luckily, Josh has his roommate/friend Tom (Thomas Ward) to help him cope.
Is It Any Good?
This deep, compassionate series, which is written by lead actor Thomas, successfully balances serious themes such as mental illness and suicide with intelligence and ironic humor. Please Like Me shows the vulnerability and confusion that comes with young adulthood and expresses them in sweetly awkward yet painfully honest ways. Viewers will enjoy watching Josh meet challenges head-on, whether they're specific to being queer in your 20s or more universal. Ultimately, it's Thomas' distinct blend of wit and empathy that gives the show its charm and emotional resonance.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how Please Like Me depicts mental illness and how different people deal with it. What are healthy ways to cope? How might you take care of loved ones experiencing mental illness?
How does Josh feel about his mother's suicide attempt? What would you do in his place?
How do you feel about the cigarette smoking on the show? Why do you think the characters smoke? What are other ways to achieve the same effect?
How does the show use humor and awkwardness to explore the nuances of queer identity? How does sexuality intersect with family, friendship, and mental health?
How do the characters demonstrate empathy in the show? Why is it an important character strength?
TV Details
- Premiere date : August 8, 2014
- Cast : Josh Thomas , Thomas Ward , Debra Lawrance
- Network : Pivot
- Genre : Comedy
- Topics : Family Stories ( Moms ) , Friendship
- Character Strengths : Empathy
- TV rating :
- Last updated : November 8, 2025
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