Homeschoolers Not Laughing About Release of New TV Sitcom

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

[bedolido]

(CNSNews.com) - Homeschoolers are panning a new sitcom called The O'Keefees that portrays children from a "not-so-normal family" who have difficulty absorbing the realities of life in public school.

The show will air sometime this summer on The WB, serving as a midseason replacement. But even before homeschoolers have had the chance to see it, they're already lashing out at its portrayal of the fictional family.

The Home School Legal Defense Association became involved in the issue last month. The group's president, J. Michael Smith, wrote to Warner Bros. Chairman and CEO Barry Meyer to express his concerns on behalf of the 75,000 families the organization represents.

"We believe that the initial description of the sitcom is not an accurate portrayal of the homeschool movement at large," Smith wrote. "Homeschoolers are very concerned that the program not portray homeschooling in a negative light."

Smith, who wasn't available for comment, viewed a pilot of the sitcom Tuesday, which The WB released to the group. In his letter, Smith said he feared that the show would perpetuate certain myths about homeschooling.

According to The WB, the show is a semi-autobiographical comedy created by Executive Producer Mark O'Keefe. It stars actor Judge Reinhold as a father who, after prodding from his wife and kids, agrees to let two of his children attend public high school. A third child remains at home for schooling.

"This new half-hour family comedy series takes a humorous look at our so-called 'normal' society through the eyes of one not-so-normal family as they try to keep their own unique values alive in a world where conformity rules," according to The WB's description of the show.

Paul McGuire, a spokesman for The WB, said six episodes have already been filmed. The show was originally scheduled to air last summer, but it will instead be used sometime in the coming months.

McGuire said he personally responded to Smith with a phone call, but he hadn't spoken with him again as of Tuesday morning. The WB has received four additional letters expressing concern about the sitcom, McGuire said.

"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."

Even though The WB's description of the show called it a "semi-autobiographical comedy," McGuire said it was about a fictional family living in an imaginary world.

Those passionate about homeschooling have written more than 100 anonymous critiques of the concept behind the show on the website TV Tome, which hosts a message board and includes information about various sitcoms.

Homeschooling parent Isabel Lyman wrote in a February column for the libertarian Ludwig von Mises Institute that it was only a matter of time before Hollywood "discovered" homeschooling.

"It's infuriating, but not surprising, that homeschoolers, the largest group in the so-called school choice movement, still elicit scorn," Lyman wrote.

In his letter to Warner Bros., Smith challenged some of the myths he believes The O'Keefes will perpetuate. He said homeschoolers are normal American families, and students tend to score higher on tests and are better socialized than their public school counterparts.

As for Smith's offer to work with The WB on scripts for future episodes, McGuire said it was too soon to make any promises. The first six episodes are already taped, he said, and the show's future will depend on its ratings this summer.

[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.