The Drew Carey Show

Mature sitcom is big on laughs, short on values.
Kids say
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 this show's humor often relates to the love of (and need for) beer on a regular basis, the desire for more sex in the single scene, and mean-spirited jokes about body weight and appearance. Many of the characters lack ambition for much more than their daily trip to the neighborhood bar, and, as such, they find their careers and personal lives unfulfilling. The show lacks any valuable lessons and should be viewed strictly as light entertainment.
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What's the Story?
In THE DREW CAREY SHOW, comedian Drew Carey plays a character of the same name who wades through his mid-life years in Cleveland in the company of three longtime friends. Forty-ish Drew is a lovable loser who is single (and unlucky in love), works at the same department store desk job he's had for 10 years, and hangs out with the same friends he's had since childhood. Drew's friends lead similar lives: Kate (Christa Miller of Scrubs) dates -- and sleeps around -- a lot but rarely gets serious, and Oswald (Diedrich Bader of Napoleon Dynamite) and Lewis (Ryan Stiles of Whose Line Is It Anyway?) are a dorky duo most notable for their off-the-wall observations on life. Work brings Drew face-to-face with his obnoxious boss, Mr. Wick (Craig Ferguson), and his nemesis, Mimi (Kathy Kinney), a flamboyant, overweight woman who torments Drew with pranks and put-downs. He holds his own in their battles, though, and their exchanges, while often crass, make for constant laughs.
Is It Any Good?
Edgy comedy, a great cast, and break-out dance scenes make The Drew Carey Show a fun way to spend half an hour, but although adult viewers might relate to the characters' mid-life issues, kids will miss much of the context that's needed to grasp the humor.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about making responsible choices for the future. Why is it important to set goals for yourself? What steps can you take to keep on track for those goals? What types of distractions might interfere with your plans, and how can you ward them off? How can friends help (or hurt) you in your efforts? Of the characters on the show, which one is the best role model? The worst? Why?
TV Details
- Premiere date: September 13, 1995
- Cast: Craig Ferguson, Diedrich Bader, Drew Carey
- Networks: Syndicated, TBS
- Genre: Comedy
- TV rating: TV-14
- Last updated: March 14, 2023
Our Editors Recommend
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