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Parents' Guide to

The Hard Times of RJ Berger

By Kari Croop, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 16+

Bawdy series centers on a teen with a plus-sized "package."

TV MTV Comedy 2010
The Hard Times of RJ Berger Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this TV show.

Community Reviews

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age 15+

Based on 2 parent reviews

someone141
someone141 Adult
August 7, 2010
age 13+
nforet
nforet Parent of 2-year-old
June 17, 2010
age 16+
I saw a few minutes of this show the other night and I was seriously appalled. It does play pretty late at night but kids are staying up later right now because school is out. I dont think anyone should watch this show especially teenagers, its just disgusting and it presents bad role models for kids.
See all 2 parent reviews

What's the Story?

In THE HARD TIMES OF RJ BERGER, the titular RJ (Paul Iacono) doesn't have much clout in the halls of Pinkerton High School. That is, until he drops his shorts in front of the entire student body and sheds light on his best-kept secret: his extra-large penis. It doesn't take long for RJ's peers to start looking at him differently, and for his best friend Miles (Jareb Dauplaise) to start plotting their road to popularity. But RJ's more interested in his budding friendship with school hottie Jenny Swanson (Amber Lancaster) -- and fending off his platonic friend Lily's (Kara Taitz) aggressive sexual advances.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (2 ):
Kids say (13 ):

With the scripted series Hard Times, MTV is offering an antidote to its bloated menu of reality programming, and that's part of the reason it feels so fresh and funny. The other part is the whip-smart writing, with laugh-out-loud one-liners reminiscent of big-screen comedies like Superbad and American Pie. The difference here, of course, is that it's on the small screen -- and far more accessible to younger viewers, which begs the question: Is cable ready for so much raunch?

Execs behind the series insist episodes won't be "penis-driven," but that remains to be seen. Since it's set in high school, the show is clearly aimed at teens and older, though younger kids might want to watch too. The catch with Hard Times, then, is how parents will feel about its penchant for pushing the envelope when it comes to sexual content on TV. And chances are, based on what we've seen so far, they won't feel good.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about how accurately your teens think this series portrays their sexual attitudes and emotions. Does the show get it just about right, or does it exaggerate fantasies and insecurities?

  • What's the show's target audience? How can you tell? Do you think the series will appeal to one gender more than the other?

  • Do you see any negative stereotypes being played out in particular characters?

  • Families might try and discuss why it is that parents don't find the same things funny that kids do when it comes to sex. Without being wet blanket, try to explain to your teens what concerns you in relationships portrayed.

TV Details

Did we miss something on diversity?

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

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