Tyler Perry's For Better Or Worse

Review

Common Sense Media says

Adult relationship comedy has laughs and mature themes.
greenON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
yellowPAUSE: Know your child; some content
may not be right for some kids.
redOFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
not for kidsNOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age.

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Quality
 
Sometimes media can be age appropriate but a real waste of time. Our star rating assesses the media's overall quality.

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Parents say

Not yet rated

Kids say

Not yet rated

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this series, a TV spin-off of one of Tyler Perry's successful film franchises, features lots of adult themes, strong vocab ("bitch," "ass"), and sexual innuendo, which makes it a bit much for tweens despite its TV-PG rating. It also contains positive themes about marriage, relationships, and family. Drinking and high-end cars like Bentley's are also visible.

  • Positive messages1
    The series attempts to find humor in marriage and dating relationships, but much of the focus is highlighting the tensions and competition that can arise between couples and ex-couples. It also highlights the importance of love and family.
  • Positive role models1
    The cast portrays a range of characters -- some are more role model-worthy than others -- but viewers will enjoy seeing this fairly realistic portrayal of African-American family life, which is missing from most mainstream television.
  • Violence2
    Contains lots of catty behavior between women, some of which lead to pushing, shoving, and fist fights (although this is viewed as negative behavior.) Occasionally the men threaten violence towards each other, and occasionally push and shove.  Occasional references to domestic violence.
  • Sex2
    Contains not-so-subtle references to sexual activity, womanizing, and extramarital relationships. Occasionally men are shown shirtless or standing in towels. Occasional references to homosexuality.
  • Language2
    Words like "hell," "ass," "bitch," "crap," "damn," and "ho" are audible. On occasion children are heard using these words (and reprimanded as a result).
  • Consumerism1
    Expensive cars like Bentleys are occasionally discussed and visible. 
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking2
    Wine and beer consumption visible over meals and during social events, which sometimes contributes to arguing.
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What's the story?

TYLER PERRY'S FOR BETTER OR WORSE features Michael Jai White and Tasha Smith reprising their roles as Marcus and Angela Williams, the couple made famous by Tyler Perry's  Why Did I Get Married franchise. As Marcus builds his career as a TV sports commentator on the fictitious "C-Sports Now" and Angela expands her successful salon, they continue to work through the highs and lows of being married to one another and raising their children. It isn't always easy, especially when dealing with Keisha (Kiki Haynes), the mother of Marcus's daughter, who is dating Richard (Kent Faulcon), Marcus's new producer. Adding to the fray is Angela's best friend and co-worker Leslie (Crystle Stewart), whose boyfriend and C-Sport co-anchor Joseph Jetson (Jason Olive) doesn't seem to want to commit to her.

Is it any good?

 

The series combines the drama of adult relationships with the ethnic humor that Tyler Perry is best known for. While the show's story lines, and many of its jokes, are guided by contemporary African-American cultural experiences, it also highlights universal themes about marriage, dating, family, and love.

It's a situation comedy, but there are scenes that feel more like they are coming straight out of a reality show. It's an interesting approach, but some of the dialogue feels more awkward than funny due to the absence of a laugh track or a studio audience that can help energize these moments. It's definitely not for everyone, but Tyler Perry fans will still find it entertaining.

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What families can talk about

Families can talk about culture and humor. People find different ways of expressing what is funny based on cultural norms and values. Where do these differences come from? Can people outside of a specific culture find the same material funny? How are these differences presented in the media? What is the difference between culturally-specific humor and a stereotype?

This review was written by Melissa Camacho

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This review was written by Melissa Camacho
TV rating:TV-PG
Network:TBS
Cast:Crystal Stewart, Michael Jai White, Tasha Smith
Genre:Comedy
This review was written by Melissa Camacho
 

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About our rating system
ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids.
OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
Learning ratings
BEST: Really engaging, great learning approach.
GOOD: Pretty engaging, good learning approach.
FAIR: Somewhat engaging, OK learning approach.
NOT FOR LEARNING: Not recommended for learning.
Our child development rating guidelines

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