Homeschoolers Not Laughing About Release of New TV Sitcom

CNSNEWS ^ | 04/30/03 | Robert B. Bluey

[mhking]

From TVTome.com:

Welcome to The O'Keefes guide at TV Tome. The WB has ordered The O'Keefes as mid-season. The title for the show was recently Brave New World.

Harry (Judge Reinhold, Beverly Hills Cop) and Ellie O'Keefe (Kirsten Nelson) are loving but eccentric parents who've home schooled their three children to protect them from the loud and libidinal world.

Despite a ban on all things pop culture, teenagers Danny (Joseph Cross, Jack Frost) and Lauren (Tania Raymonde, Malcolm in the Middle) and younger brother Mark (Matt Weinberg) are growing increasingly curious about what lies beyond the walls of their school/dining room. They can speak six languages, but are unable to converse with kids their own age. The answer lies in their father's worst nightmare - public school.

Based on a true story, The O'Keefes is a whimsical, family-oriented comedy from executive producers Mark O'Keefe and Becky Hartman Edwards with director Andy Ackerman (Seinfeld, Frasier) produced by Turner Television.

[mhking]

"Hold muh beer 'n watch this!" PING....

If you want on or off this list, please let me know!

[RAT Patrol]

It's okay to bash homeschoolers apparently. Oh well. Considering the source I couldn't care less. The WB network puts out some major filth.

[ghost of nixon]

They can speak six languages, but are unable to converse with kids their own age. The answer lies in their father's worst nightmare - public school.

my wife is home-schooling our girls, but I hardly find the concept - as outlined - for this show offensive. I would much rather my girls be able to speak six languages than be able to "converse" with kids their own age - whatever that means. I think we could benefit from the publicity this show might generate.

[JoeSchem]

"The show rewards the values of this family," he said, "and I think people should take a look at it first before they judge it."

I'll reserve judgment until I see it -- but probably it'll be gone before then.

Was it WB or UPN that had that sitcom about Abraham Lincoln lusting after 'young boys in uniform?'

[Mr. Silverback]

At first I was concerned. Then I noticed it's going to be on WB, which means no one will actually see it.

[=Intervention=]

It's Hollywood. 'nuf said.

[xm177e2]

In other words, you find the stereotype offensive... because you fit it. "Hey, I resemble that remark!"

[Slyfox]

They can speak six languages, but are unable to converse with kids their own age.

I don't know of any homeschooled kid who can speak six languages. But, every homeschooled kid I know can speak to anyone of any age about anything in English.

It seems that their biggest audience could be homeschoolers, but it sounds like they are going to be mocking the very people they are intending to portray. That really doesn't sound too smart if you ask me.

[discostu]

I fail to see where there's bashing. People need to stop being so sensitive. When your group (whatever that group might be) is part of a sitcom it means the group represents a large enough demographic that the clowns in Hollywood have actually heard of you. I was in accelerated ed when Head of the Class came out, we prefered Real Genius but we understood it meant was now an accepted part of the world of education.

[RAT Patrol]

Bashing is what it is. But maybe you missed my second sentence which read, "Considering the source I couldn't care less."

[Freedom2specul8]

Hey, if they exploit the terrible decline of the public school system...I'll be glad.

[discostu]

Boy if that's not proof that Hollywood recycles ideas. Head of the Class had the same plot, kids that knew lots of foreign languages but no current slang... might have to compare the list of writers and producers, this is starting too look like a remake.

[discostu]

Until the show comes out stating it's bashing is an idiotic leap. Wait for it to come out. And if you really "couldn't care less" then you wouldn't have taken the time to read or post.

[RAT Patrol]

Um, he actually said, "but I hardly find the concept - as outlined - for this show offensive..."

Then you said, "In other words, you find the stereotype offensive... "

Do you see that they do not match up?

[RAT Patrol]

Why are you so stinkin' defensive about it? Am I not entitled to an opinion here?

[scott7278]

Judge Reinhold? It's already jumped the shark.

[xm177e2]

Obviously, I didn't see that.

[RAT Patrol]

LOL....been there, done that myself.