Parents' Guide to What I Like About You

TV WB Comedy 2002
What I Like About You Poster Image

Common Sense Media Review

By Caroline Gates-Shannon , based on child development research. How do we rate?

age 12+

Unremarkable sitcom may to appeal to tweens.

Parents Need to Know

Why Age 12+?

Any Positive Content?

Parent and Kid Reviews

age 13+

Based on 5 parent reviews

age 11+

Based on 19 kid reviews

Kids say that while this show may not be perfect, it offers a mix of humor and relatable teenage experiences, especially around relationships, though it contains mature themes that make it more suitable for older teens. Many reviewers suggest it isn't appropriate for younger audiences, citing sexual references and mild language, but overall it is seen as enjoyable for viewers around the age of 12 and up.

  • mature themes
  • relatable humor
  • teenage experiences
  • not for kids
  • enjoyable viewing
Summarized with AI

What's the Story?

WHAT I LIKE ABOUT YOU revolves around the lives of the Tyler sisters -- cute, somewhat ditzy and mischief-prone teenager Holly (former Nickelodeon phenom Amanda Bynes), and older, more fastidious bakery owner Val (Jennie Garth). Holly moves in with Val after their parents move to Japan, turning Val's life upside-down. In the vein of Laverne and Shirley, I Love Lucy, and Friends, What I Like About You relies on physical comedy and oddball situations. Boy troubles and misunderstandings figure prominently as well. The driving force in the show, though, is the loving relationship between the sisters.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say ( 5 ):
Kids say ( 19 ):

Take a kooky teenage sister, send her to live with her older sister in New York City, throw in a couple more frivolous girlfriends, some romantic mishaps, some slapstick and physical comedy, and what you get is a cute, though unremarkable sitcom that tween girls will love and their parents will...well, not love, but may tolerate.

Kicking off its fourth season, What I Like About You throws new relationships into the mix. After three seasons, Holly finally gets together with her friend Vince and older sister Val must deal with the consequences of her drunken quickie wedding to former-boss-turned-fireman Vic. Later this season, Val's quirky friend Lauren will get a love interest, and Holly's friends Tina and Gary will become interested in each other. More comedic mix-ups and goofball antics are sure to follow.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the stereotypical depiction of the female characters. Is this the norm for sitcoms? Also, Val's relationship with Vic might prove to be a good jumping off point for a discussion about the potential consequences of getting married so quickly. Even if Val does eventually fall in love with Vic, was marrying him a wise thing for her to do? Since the show caters primarily to tween girls, families may want to relate this plot-point to Britney Spears's impromptu wedding in Las Vegas.

TV Details

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