Common Sense Media Review
By Emily Ashby
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Relationship sitcom with mature themes and jokes.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Roommates
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
In ROOMMATES, a mismatched group of young adults sorts out the uncertainties of life and love. A chance encounter between Mark (Tyler Francavilla) and his high school crush, Katie (Dorian Brown Pham), leads him to move into the vacant room in her apartment in the hopes of finally catching her eye. But the price for this shot at love is high, and Mark discovers that often the only thing harder than winning Katie's affection is getting along with his other new roommates, Hope (Tamera Mowry-Housley) and James (Tommy Dewey). As they set out to find themselves, the group must also find some common ground to help each other through the new challenges they'll face as adults.
Is It Any Good?
On paper, this dated show bears strong similarity to Friends—but don't get too excited just yet. Roommates feels more like a cheap knock-off: Dull writing, predictable stories, and the so-so cast ensure that it's forgettable.
Because all of the main characters are twentysomethings with raging hormones, much of the show's content—and humor—is rooted in sexuality. Dating is more about physical pleasure than emotional stability, sending potentially iffy messages about respecting your partner. If teens do watch, take the opportunity to talk about the benefits and responsibilities of young adulthood.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the main characters in Roommates. Who do you relate to, if anyone? How realistic do their lives seem? Do you think there would be more consequences for their behavior in real life?
Many of the characters lie to their friends to get what they want. Is there ever a time when it's OK to lie? How might that build or destroy trust within a friend group?
Do you identify with any of the roommates? If yes, then who and why?
TV Details
- Premiere date : March 23, 2009
- Cast : Dorian Brown Pham , Tamera Mowry-Housley , Tyler Francavilla , David Weidoff
- Network : Freeform
- Genre : Comedy
- Topics : Friendship , School ( College & Graduate School )
- TV rating :
- Last updated : July 9, 2026
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