Common Sense Media Review
By Melissa Camacho
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Spade's relationship-oriented sitcom offers comedy, cliches.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Rules of Engagement
What's the Story?
RULES OF ENGAGEMENT feature two couples and their single friend dealing with the various stages of dating, commitment, and marriage. While Adam Rhodes and Jennifer Morgan (Oliver Hudson and Bianca Kajlich) begin their lives as a newly engaged couple, Jeff and Audrey Bingham (Patrick Warburton and Megyn Price) muddle through their long-time marriage. Meanwhile, single friend Russell Dunbar (David Spade) works his way through serial dating and a string of one-night stands. The group is later joined by Dunbar's assistant Timmy (Adhir Kalyhan), a single-but refined young man who attempts to serve as his boss' moral guide.
Is It Any Good?
This traditional-style sitcom pokes fun at relationships of all kinds, and relies on lots of gender stereotypes for laughs. But some of these lighthearted conversations also highlight some of the issues that surface when in a relationship, including communication, trust, and parenthood.
Granted, it contains some frank talk about sex, and Spade's sharp humor is occasionally borderline offensive. But the show is also very well written, and contains lots of humorous moments, too. It isn't for kids, but older teens and adults looking for a good laugh may actually find one here.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about romantic relationships. What are some stereotypes about men and women in relationships? Homosexual ones? Have you seen these stereotypes play out in your own life?
Have you heard jokes about how women or men act in relationships? How do you respond to those kinds of jokes? What messages do parents want kids to hear about the pros and cons of intimate relationships?
TV Details
- Premiere date : February 5, 2007
- Cast : David Spade , Oliver Hudson , Patrick Warburton
- Network : CBS
- Genre : Comedy
- TV rating :
- Last updated : October 14, 2022
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
Suggest an Update
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