Common Sense Media Review
By Joyce Slaton
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Friendships counter rude jokes, sex, and substance abuse.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Will & Grace
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 7 parent reviews
Based on 10 kid reviews
Kids say this sitcom is a funny and unique show that features a mix of humor, adult themes, and positive messages about acceptance, especially towards the LGBTQ community. While many enjoy its comedic value and engaging characters, some caution that its mature content may not be suitable for younger audiences.
- humor
- mature content
- positive messages
- acceptance
- unique show
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
WILL & GRACE is a take on the life of gay New Yorker Will Truman (Eric McCormack) and his straight roommate, Grace Adler (Debra Messing). It follows the two—who have been best friends since college, when they briefly dated before Will came out—through their relationship successes and, more often, failures. The rest of the gang is rounded out by Will's other best friend, Jack (Sean Hayes), an aspiring entertainer, and Grace's assistant, Karen (Megan Mullally), a wisecracking Manhattan socialite with a prescription drug habit.
Is It Any Good?
What sets this show apart from its sitcom counterparts—and kept it on the air for so many years—is its cutting humor. In Will & Grace, the pop culture references fly fast and furiously as the characters exchange witty repartee. Watching either the original series or its 2017 reboot, viewers will definitely feel the same 1990s vibe as on similar shows like Friends and Seinfeld: The live studio audience cackles every few seconds, characters wear cocktail-party clothes to hang out at home, and no one ever locks their front door (the better for actors to make surprise entrances!). The plotlines, too, seem designed to fit into a brief summary in TV Guide: Karen gets Grace a job decorating the Oval Office—antics ensue! Or, Jack and Will try to date 20-somethings—hilarity ensues!
Which isn't to say that the show is bad; it's just a throwback. Creators Max Mutchnick and David Kohan have a way with a wisecrack, cramming in a dizzying array of references, from Patty Hearst to the board game Clue. "I hate when bad guys are handsome, like Scar in Lion King," muses Grace about a rival. This show remains quite witty—whether or not it's as charming as it seemed when it first came out is up to you.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how the world has changed since Will & Grace's original run. Is it more accepting of gay men and other members of LGBTQ+ communities? Or does it feel less accepting? Something in between?
Is it OK for the show's gay characters to make jokes that poke fun at queer people? Why, or why not? Do any of the characters perpetuate stereotypes about gay men and other queer people? How? Do any dispel stereotypes?
How is drug and alcohol addiction portrayed via Karen? Do you think the show takes it seriously enough? Do you feel like you know more about people's struggles with addiction from watching this show?
How do the characters in Will & Grace demonstrate empathy and integrity? Why are these important character strengths?
TV Details
- Premiere date : September 21, 1998
- Cast : Debra Messing , Eric McCormack , Megan Mullally , Sean Hayes
- Networks : NBC , Syndicated
- Genre : Comedy
- Topics : Friendship
- Character Strengths : Empathy , Integrity
- TV rating :
- Awards : Emmy - Emmy Award Winner , Emmy - Emmy Award Nominee , Golden Globe - Golden Globe Award Nominee , Kids' Choice Award
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
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