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Parents' Guide to

The Steve Harvey Show

By Melissa Camacho, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 10+

Kotter-like comedy with music; for tweens.

TV Syndicated , TBS Comedy 1996
The Steve Harvey Show Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

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

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What's the Story?

THE STEVE HARVEY SHOW centers on Steve Hightower (Steve Harvey), a struggling musician and former member of the fictitious R&B band Hi-Tops. Forced to give up his carefree lifestyle to make ends meet, Hightower takes a job teaching music and drama at Chicago's Booker T. High School. Hightower finds himself giving the toughest -- and perhaps most important -- performance of his life to his colorful group of students, who include smooth ladies' man Romeo (Merlin Santana), street-savvy but academically challenged Stanley "Bullethead" Kuznocki (William Lee Scott), class geek Lydia (Lori Beth Denberg), and best friends Sophia (Tracy Vilar) and Sara (Nefta Perry). Trying to understand their slang and coping with their pranks isn't always easy, but Hightower manages to earn their admiration while teaching them to respect the arts and themselves. Adding to the fray are the often-failed schemes of his best friend, gym coach Cedric Robinson (Cedric the Entertainer); Hightower's tenuous romantic relationship with school principal and former classmate Regina Grier (Wendy Raquel Robinson); and the office antics of principal's assistant Lovita (Terri J. Vaughn).

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say Not yet rated
Kids say (1 ):

The winner of multiple NAACP Image awards, this series stresses the importance of strong mentorship and the value of an education that includes the performing arts. It looks at issues surrounding race, class, stereotypes, and family relationships, while positively depicting African-Americans, Afro-Latinos, and urban youth. It also has good messages about deailng with life's struggles, making well-thought-out choices, and facing the consequences of your actions.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about who their favorite teachers are and why. Have you ever had a teacher that you considered a mentor? What kinds of things did this person teach you? Families can also talk about the dreams people have for successful careers and when to shift their career goals. Is there ever a time when people should give up on their dreams?

TV Details

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