The Family Law
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The Family Law
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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 The Family Law is based on the bestselling autobiography of the same name by Benjamin Law, who also created and wrote the show. While the show is about the trials and tribulations of a large family, it's not a family sitcom suitable for younger viewers. It deals with issues such as marital conflict and teenage hormones. Though there is not much cursing, there is crude language, most often from Mommy's character, in reference to bodily functions. For example, she says, "No ring, no ding ding," while making a sexual gesture to dissuade her teenage daughter from having sex. When one of the younger daughters mentions that another daughter is itching, Mommy replies, "Cheek or hole?" The show also jokes about racial stereotypes. In one episode, Mommy tells Ben that he plays clarinet "like the Black man," and in another scene, she comments, "The Japanese raped our women during the war ... but they do make lovely stationery." Overall, The Family Law shows a typical family living a normal life with all of its dysfunction front and center.
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What's the Story?
Based on the book of the same title, THE FAMILY LAW is the comedic portrayal of the life of author and show creator Benjamin Law. The raw sitcom tells the story of the Laws, a Chinese Australian family that includes mom Jenny, dad Danny (Anthony Brandon Wong) and five kids: Ben, Candy, Andrew, Tammy, and Michelle. The Laws are a typical family; however, viewers see dysfunction unfold in episode after drama-filled episode. Main character Ben narrates that it must've been hard for his parents raising their kids in a foreign country, and from the very start, it's evident that their marriage is in trouble. Will they separate? Will they make the relationship work?
Is It Any Good?
This gripping drama-comedy is cringeworthy in some ways, but viewers won't be able to turn away. The Family Law tells a story that is rarely depicted -- the goings-on in the lives of a Chinese family in Australia -- and it does so in an unassuming and realistic way. Though the show is a comedy (and there is plenty to chuckle about), it highlights serious issues -- like the parents' marital woes -- that tug at viewers' heartstrings. It's clear to see why the series was groundbreaking and well received in Australia.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how the show highlights Chinese culture. How does their culture impact the members of the Law family?
What makes The Family Law captivating? Why do people like to look into other people's lives?
What topics would a show about your family focus on? If you were in charge, who would you get to star in each role?
TV Details
- Premiere date: April 13, 2022
- Cast: Trystan Go, Fiona Choi, Anthony Brandon Wong
- Network: Hulu
- Genre: Comedy
- Topics: Book Characters, Brothers and Sisters, Friendship, High School
- TV rating: TV-14
- Last updated: April 22, 2022
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