Common Sense Media Review
By Melissa Camacho
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Steamy, soapy White House drama has violence, sex, cursing.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Tyler Perry’s The Oval
What's the Story?
TYLER PERRY'S THE OVAL is a dramatic series that chronicles the dysfunctional life of a mixed-race first family. President Hunter Franklin (Ed Quinn) has just been inaugurated as President of the United States, and is moving into the White House along with his wife Victoria (Kron Moore), their daughter Gayle (Paige Hurd) and son Jason (Daniel Croix). White House Chief of Staff Donald Winthrop (Lodric Collins) has his hands full navigating the bad blood and corruption behind the scenes. His job is also putting a strain on his relationship with his wife Lilly (Ciera Payton). Meanwhile, long-time White House butler Richard Hallsen (Javon Johnson) has to keep the household running smoothly, even when life at home with his wife Nancy (Ptosha Shorey) is in disarray thanks to their adult son Barry (Vaughn W. Hebron). Throughout it all, U.S. Secret Service agents like Kyle Flint (Brad Benedict) and Sam Owen (Walter Fauntleroy) keep tabs on the first family without revealing the truth behind the public façade. It's a memorable time in Washington D.C., but in the White House everything is complicated thanks to all the private and public political games everyone is playing.
Is It Any Good?
This dramatic, albeit formulaic, series features all over-the-top plot lines one expects from a Tyler Perry-produced soap. Cast members unapologetically go to whatever extreme they need to in order grab and and hold on to power. Adding to this are the endless secrets, sexual encounters, and political scandals that come and go throughout each season, all of which are designed to provide viewers with some guilty pleasure. It isn't particularly creative or original, but if you're looking to spend some time watching something that doesn't require a lot of effort, The Oval will provide you with ample entertainment.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the way media portrays life in the White House. How realistic are they? Are they intended to be? Or are they made more dramatic for entertainment purposes.
Why do you think the decision was made to feature a mixed-race first family in Tyler Perry's The Oval?
TV Details
- Premiere date : October 23, 2019
- Cast : Ed Quinn , Kron Moore , Lodric Collins
- Network : BET
- Genre : Drama
- TV rating :
- Last updated : September 22, 2022
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