Young & Hungry

TV review by Emily Ashby, Common Sense Media
Young & Hungry Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 14+

Predictable sitcom relies on sexual humor for laughs.

Freeform Comedy 2014
Rate TV

Parents say

age 15+

Based on 18 reviews

Kids say

age 12+

Based on 26 reviews

Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.
Rate tv

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 suggesting a diversity update.

A Lot or a Little?

The parents' guide to what's in this TV show.

What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that Young & Hungry relies on sexual humor and tension for both drama and laughs. You'll see some foreplay (kissing, snuggling, a woman bites her partner's ear) in bed and a couple looking spent the next morning. Double entendres ("Once you go black, you never go back," for instance) and other wink-wink moments are common. A one-night stand between an employee and her boss sets the plot for the whole show, as the two wrestle with their attractions to each other while one of the parties carries on a relationship with his longtime girlfriend. A male character's sexuality is frequented for laughs, mostly when he makes longing comments about another man's physique. On the upside, Gabi's determination and positive attitude go a long way in helping her achieve her career goals.

Community Reviews

gary.thesnail
gary.thesnail Adult
July 24, 2022
age 13+

Loved it!

I loved it! There is no cursing, there are some sex refferences but little on screen sex. I think this show is ok for kids 13+.

This title has:

Great role models
hanna M.
hanna M. Adult
July 19, 2021
age 14+

Young and Hungry is definitely not for young kids!

Young and Hungry is an amazing comedy/romance show for teens. The show revolves around a lady who is a personal chef to a rich businessman. Though, expect to hear a few infrequent uses of cuss words such as "b---h", "damn," and "hell.". Also, expect sexual references and dialogue about pornograhy, masturbation, pregnancy, etc. Some scenes involve kissing, cuddiling, and "sex" (arms and up are shown under the covers). Some scenes involve drinking alcohol; and sometimes characters get “drunk”--done for comedic purposes. Though, the show brings the attention to young vieweres about the importance of friendship, stable relationships, and mistakes. Plus, the cast is pretty diverse which is pretty cool! The only thing that stopped me from putting five starts is that the show leaves off on a cliffhanger and it was never renewed for a new season.

This title has:

Great messages
See all 18 parent reviews

What's the Story?

YOUNG & HUNGRY follows the unlikely pairing of wealthy tech guru Josh (Jonathan Sadowski) and Gabi (Emily Osment), a spirited food blogger he hires as his personal chef. Although she quickly wins over her easygoing boss, Gabi meets more resistance in his aide, Eliot (Rex Lee), who had hoped for someone more experienced and, well, masculine around the house. But when Josh's ill-fated romantic evening with his girlfriend leads to a compromising encounter with Gabi, things really start to heat up between them.

Is It Any Good?

Young & Hungry is a mildly entertaining sitcom whose overly simplistic plot threatens its success. Gabi and Josh's relationship starts out with the fireworks of a one-night stand, but when his ex-girlfriend reenters the picture, he willingly returns to being at her beck and call. Meanwhile, Gabi sticks around (why sacrifice your dream job because of sexual tension, after all?), leading to mixed emotions and some longing glances between the two.

What the show isn't lacking are laughs, mostly thanks to a quality cast and colorful characters all around. Osment's vivaciousness is a great counter to Lee's biting sarcasm, setting up some decent verbal sparring between the two. But the big question is whether this mostly predictable story of two mismatched ships in the night is scintillating enough to keep viewers coming back for more.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about whether this workplace scenario seems plausible in the real world. How do personal relationships complicate working ones? What ethical and legal concerns are there to consider as well?

  • What do your teens make of this show's sexual humor? Do set-ups such as this one send questionable messages about sexuality? How do they compare to your family's values on the issue?

  • How does society measure success? Is your teen's definition different? What life goals does your teen have?

TV Details

Our Editors Recommend

  • Arrested Development Poster Image

    Arrested Development

    Brilliant, innovative comedy for mature viewers.

    age 15+
  • Modern Family Poster Image

    Modern Family

    Poignant comedy series has mature content, stereotypes.

    age 13+
  • Will & Grace Poster Image

    Will & Grace

    Fun show about a strong friendship; rude jokes, sex, pills.

    age 14+

Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.

See how we rate