Preteen girl looking at a cell phone with her parents

Family movie night? There's an app for that

Download our new mobile app on iOS and Android.

Get the app
Parents' Guide to

Samantha Who?

By Sierra Filucci, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 14+

So-so amnesia sitcom tackles grown-up issues.

TV ABC Comedy 2007
Samantha Who? Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this TV show.

Community Reviews

See all
age 12+

Based on 1 parent review

FosterFan
FosterFan Parent of baby-year-old
September 26, 2011
age 12+

Great for all kids 12 and up.

Samantha Who? is a very funny show. Christina Applegate has a really great comic timing, delivers zingers with sass, and she seems to have fun. Maybe not great for kids under 12, but they're sure to have a good time.
See all 1 parent review

What's the Story?

Christina Applegate stars in SAMANTHA WHO?, a comedy about a young woman with amnesia who finds out she used to be a not-so-nice person. As a blank slate, Sam confronts her past and tries to become a better person, despite the glimmers of her past personality that continue to burst through. Along for the ride are Sam's henpecked boyfriend Todd (Barry Watson), her nutty parents Regina (Jean Smart) and Howard (Kevin Dunn), and her best friend, party animal Andrea (Jennifer Esposito). Looking at her friends and family from her new perspective, Sam quickly realizes that she doesn't actually like many of them. Her mother is self-centered and deceitful, and her friend plies her with drinks despite knowing that she's in recovery.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (1 ):
Kids say (3 ):

The show's somewhat silly premise is bolstered by Applegate's knack for comedy, which she honed during her days on Married... With Children. And while Samantha Who? doesn't shake the tired sitcom format, it still provides plenty of lightweight laughs.

Grown-up issues like alcoholism and affairs, along with several instances in which Sam is downright mean to others, make the show best for older teens and adults. That said, even these serious topics are treated lightly and don't get too edgy.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about whether it's possible -- or desirable -- to completely reinvent yourself. What makes people want to change how they look, act, or think? What impact does the media have on how you perceive yourself? How about your peers? Teens: Is there something about yourself that you'd like to change? What, and why? Do you think anyone has opinions of you that aren't accurate? How can you change that? Should you?

TV Details

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 suggesting a diversity 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