Parents' Guide to

Somebodies

By Melissa Camacho, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 15+

Mature college comedy challenges stereotypes

TV BET Comedy 2008
Somebodies Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

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

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What's the Story?

Based on the same-named 2006 Sundance film, SOMEBODIES centers on Scottie (Hadjii), a \"professional\" University of Georgia student who's spent his time in school chasing girls, drinking, and generally enjoying the college scene. But now that his housemates Marlo (Nard Holston), Tory (Anthony Hyatt), Six (Quante Strickland), and Jelly (Corey Redding) are close to graduating, he realizes that it's time to take life more seriously. But figuring things out gets complicated as his eccentric family -- including Uncle Skeeter (Carlos Davis), Aunt Agnes (Pat Brown), and Uncle Charles (David Lewis) -- insist on offering him endless advice. Even ex-girlfriend Diva (Kaira Akita) and preacher Reverend Hill (Tyler Craig) offer guidance in hopes of transforming Scottie into a professional somebody.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: Not yet rated
Kids say: Not yet rated

Somebodies attempts to reflect the real issues that college-educated African-American young adults face as they transition into the professional world. It also brings up existing racial tensions in America, as well various social issues currently impacting the African-American community -- like absent fathers and self-hatred. But these issues get lost in the show's thin story lines and often-weak humor, which includes the occasional "yo momma" joke (which are ostensibly intended to diffuse existing stereotypes). As a result, the series often comes across as more silly than thought provoking.

That said, the show does offer an image of African Americans that moves away from rapper, gangster, or athlete typecasts. And older teens might be drawn to a show about the Southern African-American college scene. But the show's iffy language, alcohol consumption, and references to drugs and violence make it inappropriate for younger viewers.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the ways that African Americans are portrayed in the media. Do you think shows like this one reinforce or challenge stereotypes about the African-American community? How? Families can also discuss life in and after college. Is it really difficult to go from being a college student to a working adult? Are drinking, partying, and experimenting with drugs always part of college life? Parents, check out

TV Details

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