Superior Donuts

TV review by Melissa Camacho, Common Sense Media
Superior Donuts Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 12+

Generation-gap sitcom features sweets and stereotypes.

CBS Comedy 2017
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Parents say

age 18+

Based on 2 reviews

Kids say

age 12+

Based on 1 review

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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 Superior Donuts is a sitcom about a struggling donut shop. It contains innuendo, strong language ("ass," "bastard," "crap"), some arguing, and stereotypical references. However, it also contains positive messages about supporting local businesses and people from different backgrounds and generations working together. Businesses such as Whole Foods and Starbucks and social media outlets such as Yelp and Instagram are referenced.

Community Reviews

Ashley G.
Ashley G. Adult
March 5, 2018
age 18+

Worthless

The show wants to teach you something positive however it just comes off as overbearing preachy nonsense. From a comedic value ... an absolute zero .. not funny at all for adults or children. I didn’t see anything objectionable for youngsters ...it will just bore them to death.
DJ M.
DJ M. Adult
January 15, 2018
age 18+

Shocked and Disgusted. NOT FOR KIDS

Our family doesn't watch a lot of evening TV during the week. THANK GOODNESS! The few times I've turned on the TV I have determined that nothing seems appropriate for any kid under 18! I cringe thinking of all the kids watching TV from 6-9 pm. Sorry I'm just horrified as I know many parents don't care or take the time to check out these programs. The major portion of this episode of Superior Donuts was all talking about these 2 young kids "hooking up" and what they "really do" when they say they are studying and watching a movie etc etc.... there were statements like " not like we are going to have sex on the cutting block" and sexual innuendos galore! the shop owner says "just knock on this pipe and I will come down here Lickety Split...oh that sounds like something else you shouldn't be doing on that block either" Are you kidding me? I am sickened by all the adult content (trash) that is aired before 9 pm on PRIMTE TIME!!!! Everywhere we turn its about casual sex and dicey discussions about it.

This title has:

Too much sex
See all 2 parent reviews

What's the Story?

Based on the play written by Tracy Letts, SUPERIOR DONUTS is a comedy series that follows a struggling Chicago donut shop owner and his entrepreneurial employee. Arthur Przybyszewski (Judd Hirsch) has the best donuts in town but is on the verge of selling his shop thanks to being unable to compete with the big-name franchises moving into the neighborhood. While real estate agent Faz (Maz Jobrani) continues to pressure Arthur to sell, he grudgingly hires local resident Franco Wicks (Jermaine Fowler) to help him update the business and appeal to a newer, younger customer base. It isn't easy for Arthur to accept that things have to change, but Franco is committed helping him stay in the community. Supporting their efforts are friends and regular customers such as Officer Randy Delucca (Katey Sagal), graduate student Maya (Anna Baryshnikov), and Carl "Tush" Tushinski (David Koechner).

Is It Any Good?

This moderately funny sitcom highlights the common struggles local business owners face when neighborhoods are gentrified and franchises begin moving in. But the story's also about people of different generations and backgrounds who are able to connect on a personal level and come together to preserve their community.

The messages are positive and relevant, but Superior Donuts also features your typical sitcom fare, including some quick punch lines (only some of which are sharp thanks to Hirsch and Sagal's comedy chops) and a reliance on some tired stereotypes for laughs. It's lighthearted enough to appeal to some comedy fans, but not everyone will appreciate the humor.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the reasons local shops go out of business. Is it because neighborhoods are changing and no longer interested in them? Because of the rising cost of staying in business? What are ways that people can help local establishments stay in your community?

  • The use of stereotypes is very common on comedy shows. Why? Is it appropriate? Is it possible to make jokes without stereotypes?

TV Details

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