PTC Insider Article
November 2002

Saving Islands of Hope in a Sea of Sleaze

We've reported to you recently on the broadcast networks' efforts to include "family shows" on their fall schedules.  Unfortunately, the networks often will try to pass off any show that includes a family as a "family series."  The good news is there are a number of new shows on the broadcast networks this fall that are genuinely family-friendly.  This month, the PTC has identified a few islands of hope in a sea of sleaze.  We've provided a brief summary of some of the highlights of the fall season.  The programs listed below impressed us with their pro-family themes, wholesome content, and uplifting messages.

ABC

8 Simple Rules for Dating My Teenage Daughter (Tuesdays, 8:00 p.m., Eastern)

John Ritter plays the father of two teenage daughters and a teenage son.  Although episodes have contained some sexual innuendo and mild foul language, the series has consistently painted a picture of a healthy, loving family.

Life with Bonnie (Tuesdays, 9:00 p.m., Eastern)

Life with Bonnie harkens back to the days when TV writers knew how to write scripts that were not only inoffensive, but funny too.  So far, this series has been exceptionally clean.  Bonnie Molloy juggles life as the host of a morning television show and a mother of three. Her antics and those of her doctor husband, children, and live-in housekeeper, along with the often ad-libbed scenes on the set of her morning show provide for an enjoyable half-hour for the whole family.

Dinotopia (Thursdays, 8:00 p.m., Eastern)

Dinotopia began as a special last May and is set to return on Thanksgiving as a weekly series. Combining computer animation and live action, the series envisions a world in which dinosaurs and humans co-exist.  Children will enjoy exploring the fantasy world of Dinotopia, but there's plenty for parents to enjoy as well.  The ABC special last spring contained infrequent mild language and violence.

CBS

The Amazing Race 3 (Wednesdays, 9:00 p.m., Eastern)

We were impressed with the first installment of this adventure reality series, which fostered a healthy sense of competition without wallowing in the gutter (as so many reality series do). This third edition is just getting started, but it looks as though it will follow the same clean path set by its predecessor. Previous seasons of the Amazing Race did contain some occasional foul language, but were otherwise free of offensive content. 

ITV

Sue Thomas: F.B.Eye (Mondays, 9:00 p.m., Eastern)

From the creators of Doc (chosen #1 on the PTC's most recent list of "Best Shows on Broadcast Television,") comes this new drama series based on the true story of Sue Thomas, a deaf woman who was hired by the FBI to do surveillance work.  Sue Thomas is a truly inspirational story about hope, courage, and perseverance, and is free of offensive content.  

WB

Family Affair (Thursdays, 8:00 p.m., Eastern)

This remake of the popular ‘60s show finds twins Buffy and Jody and their older sister Sissy living with their wealthy Uncle Bill and his English butler, Mr. French.  Though the updated version has contained some out-of-place sexual innuendo, overall the show has been free of offensive content.

What I Like About You (Fridays, 8:00 p.m., Eastern)

When her father takes a job overseas, teenage Holly goes to live with her older sister Valerie, in New York City. So far, the series appears to be quite appropriate for family viewing.  Though some episodes have contained very mild foul-language and innuendo, the series does not rely on such content for laughs.  Instead, episodes take advantage of the talented ensemble cast, broad physical comedy, and clever writing. 

Greetings from Tucson (Fridays, 9:30 p.m., Eastern)

This series features an Irish /Mexican-American family, with the relationship between teenager David and his father, Joaquin being the focal point.  Episodes have dealt responsibly with such issues as underage drinking.  Some episodes have included mild foul-language.

For a weekly listing of family-friendly programs to watch out for, look for PTC Picks of the Week.  Every week we comb the television schedule (both broadcast and cable) to find programs you can watch with your family.  We hope that our "Picks" will help in planning your family viewing time.