Parents' Guide to

What About Brian

By Lucy Maher, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 15+

Modern-day thirtysomething; OK for teens.

TV ABC , SOAPnet Drama 2006
What About Brian Poster Image

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

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What's the Story?

WHAT ABOUT BRIAN tells the story of a bachelor who finds himself the odd man out among his group of paired-off friends. Barry Watson stars as Brian O'Hara, a friendly, handsome entrepreneur searching for Mrs. Right. Brian's friends -- pals Dave (Rick Gomez) and Deena (Amanda Detmer), a married couple with three kids; just-married sister Nic (Rosanna Arquette) and brother-in-law Angelo (Raoul Bova); newly engaged best friend Adam (Matthew Davis) and his fiancée Marjorie (Sarah Lancaster); and bickering lovebirds Ivy (Amanda Foreman) and Jimmy (Jason George) -- include him in everything they do, but at the same time they wonder why he hasn't settled down. This, in turn, causes Brian to second-guess his romantic choices ... and question whether his single status is due to the fact that he's got a crush on Marjorie.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: Not yet rated
Kids say: Not yet rated

What About Brianis smartly written and very well-acted, and the storylines are entertaining (not surprising, considering the show is executive produced by J.J. Abrams, the man behind Felicity, Alias, and Lost). Still, though nothing in the series is especially objectionable, the subject matter might fly over the head of teens younger than 16. For example, in a subtly funny opening scene, the group tries to figure out who will drive to the movies. All the couples volunteer to drive Brian, which makes him feel like a child.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about what it feels like to be single. What's it like when your friends start dating and you haven't found a match? Are you jealous? Happy for them? Worried that it won't happen to you? Which of the characters do you relate to most? Where do you see yourself, relationship-wise, when you're they're age?

TV Details

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