Common Sense Media Review
By Melissa Camacho
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Generation-gap sitcom features sweets and stereotypes.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 12+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Superior Donuts
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
- Premiere date : February 2, 2017
- Cast : Judd Hirsch , Jermaine Fowler , Katey Sagal
- Network : CBS
- Genre : Comedy
- TV rating :
- Last updated : June 4, 2020
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