Sean Saves the World

TV review by Joyce Slaton, Common Sense Media
Sean Saves the World Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 13+

So-so sitcom laughs too hard at its own jokes; sexy humor.

NBC Comedy 2013
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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 Sean Saves the World is a sitcom about a gay dad whose teenage daughter moves in with him while he's grappling with work problems. There are a lot of jokes, often made about Sean's sexuality, as well as references to his mother's sex life. There's mild cursing, usually in jest, and humor about body parts and past promiscuity. Sean and his mother snipe at each other, and she says cruel things to him while the laugh track swells. There is some supportive family unity, but serious subjects are the target of jokes and mockery.

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What's the Story?

Sean Hayes is the titular SEAN SAVES THE WORLD, an out-and-proud gay man whose ex-wife has just taken a job in another city, leaving Sean to parent their 14-year-old daughter Ellie (Samantha Isler) alone. Well, not really alone -- Sean also has the help of his mom, Lorna (Linda Lavin), and best friend Liz (Megan Hilty). And it's a good thing, too, because at the online retailing site Sean manages, a new owner, Max (Thomas Lennon), has just taken over, and he's asking for a big improvement in his big investment. It's a lot to take on, but Sean's determined to do his best -- and look good doing it.

Is It Any Good?

Sean Hayes, you deserve better! Thomas Lennon, so do you! So does almost every likeable actor with crack comic timing on this tired sitcom. The hijinks are merry, the jokes never stop, the energy is high, and the laugh track folks are in gales of giggles at every line. Somehow, though, it all seems blah -- there's a stab at wackiness, but the funny's not there.

This is a sitcom in which no one stands still while they talk. They deliver a line, race to another part of the set, and then deliver another one. Why are you people running around like that? Stand still! It's also a sitcom wherein, rather than tell the boss you're going home whether he likes it or not, a character exits work by having two coworkers lift him up so he can climb out a bathroom window. Um, yeah. Wasn't that an I Love Lucy plot...six decades ago?

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about whether Sean Saves the World is supposed to be a realistic comedy. Do people talk like they do in real life? Act like they do in real life?

  • If watching with mature viewers, take in an episode of the sitcom that made Sean Hayes famous, Will & Grace. How is Hayes' character different from Will & Grace's Jack?

  • Family dynamics are a popular topic for sitcoms. Why would this be? Does Sean Saves the World make you laugh?

TV Details

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