Common Sense Media Review
By Emily Ashby
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Upbeat showbiz bcomedy centers on strong female character.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
What's the Story?
THE ASSISTANTS takes a tongue-in-cheek look at life in Hollywood, following the daily grind for four producer's assistants hoping to make it big in the entertainment industry. When Gillian Young (Britt Irvin) lands a job with producer Zach Del Toro (Zak Santiago), she thinks she's finally on the fast track to directing stardom. Little does she know that there's nothing glitzy about binding scripts and going on coffee runs, or that she's now among the masses trying to claw their way to the top. But with a little luck and the help of her new coworkers Rigby (Meaghan Rath), Danny (Brendan Penny), and Nate (Michael B. Jordan), Gillian hopes that one day she'll be on the receiving end of the royal treatment.
Is It Any Good?
This lighthearted comedy takes a few jabs at the Hollywood caste system and imparts some sympathy for the unrecognized grunts who grease the wheels for eccentric execs and stars. The show's humorous nature makes the characters' occasional bad behavior forgivable -- teen viewers certainly won't be misled into thinking it's an accurate representation of a work environment.
In the end, only Gillian emerges as a character worth admiring, but she demonstrates good sense and a strong character when she faces difficult decisions. Parents' biggest concern with this series is likely to be the sporadic strong language, but chances are none of it will be new to teens.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the show's messages about working. Are the characters' actions believable in light of their responsibilities? Do they seem serious about what they do? Do you think you'd enjoy a job that required catering to someone else?
What personal values are most important to you? How do you stick to them, even in the face of hard decisions?
Parents and teens can also discuss friendships and social relationships. How do you get along with people you don't consider friends? How do you know when someone is a friend? How has the Internet changed how we develop relationships?
TV Details
- Premiere date : July 10, 2009
- Cast : Britt Irvin , Meaghan Rath , Zak Santiago
- Network : TeenNick
- Genre : Comedy
- TV rating :
- Last updated : October 20, 2022
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