Common Sense Media Review
By Matt Springer
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Occasionally astute comedy has heavy sexual tone.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Whitney
What's the Story?
WHITNEY stars comedienne/show creator Whitney Cummings as a woman in a long-term relationship with her boyfriend, Alex (Chris D'Elia). The two have been together so long that they've settled into a predictable pattern ... one that provides the series with much of its comedic fuel. Through Whitney, Alex, and a cast of supporting characters, the series attempts to offer a unique comedic perspective on modern relationships -- and how the best path forward may not be the most traditional approach.
Is It Any Good?
Created, executive produced, and starring comedienne Cummings, Whitney is almost a relic of a bygone age. A three-camera comedy "filmed before a live studio audience" in an era when single-camera shows dominate the networks, Whitney distills the star's stand-up act and comedic vision into an ensemble sitcom that explores the fallacies of modern romantic relationships from a number of angles.
In a sense, the stereotypical sitcom demands of a laugh every 5 to 15 seconds work against the show's desire to provide a more incisive view of relationships. There's also a heavy emphasis on sexuality, which is appropriate for a show about adult romance but becomes an easy crutch on which the writing frequently leans for cheap jokes. In the moments where the writing is able to cut through the haze of laugh tracks and callbacks, the show has some entertaining insights on how to negotiate a long-term relationship.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how the show deals with modern issues of sexuality. Is it a mature view of relationships? What kinds of stereotypes about relationships does the show challenge or reinforce?
How many other network shows are produced and written by women? Can you tell the difference between this show and others produced by men?
TV Details
- Premiere date : September 22, 2011
- Cast : Chris D'elia , Jane Kaczmarek , Whitney Cummings
- Network : NBC
- Genre : Comedy
- TV rating :
- Last updated : September 21, 2019
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