Life as We Know It (2004–2005) User Reviews (55)

A true insight to real teenage life

[NakedSalad · 9/10 · 2 August 2006]

The show 'Life As We Know It' was very unusual as compared to other American televisions shows, because for once, it was well written and wasn't a piece of mindless crap.

The characters in show are very realistic, I'm a 15 year old myself so I could relate to all of the characters.

The show, for one, reflected the tastes of real teenagers with Kelly asking, "Have any of you heard the new Yeah Yeah Yeahs CD?", the character Dio saying, "I'm listening to Interpol" and with the character Johnathan saying, "V for Vendetta is my favourite graphic novel".

The show showed 'indie' culture which is popular amongst most teenagers and adults. Usually on American teenage shows, they talk about hip hop and R n'B which I couldn't care less about.

This show was especially good with the characters stepping out of a scene and telling you their current thoughts about a situation. The actors were incredibly amusing and great in those scenes, one of the best parts of the show.

If you have watched it, you'll know that the main plot is about the characters and their virginity's, the only thing that is on any teenage mind. It explored how they all felt about sex and their relationships very realistically, I have even heard some of my friends saying exactly what the characters have in the show.

This show deserved a second season, it deserved 10 even. It may have not done so well in America, but it got a lot of fans here in Scotland. I think that the show should make a second season only available to the Uk, as the show reflected our teenage life's so perfectly, despite the actors being 20 when their characters are 15. Hey, I can pass for 18 and I'm 15.

I would recommend anyone to watch this show, and if the creators are reading this, please, please make a second season. The actors were ace, the soundtrack is great, the pop culture mentions are completely accurate to the indie world amongst teenagers, the thoughts and dialogue were great.

The only flaw of this show was, that it only got one season.

Fun To Watch, Actually !!!

[Mr_Sensitive · 7/10 · 12 June 2006]

This show is among the least known teen series of all. And I guess the reason for it is, it doesn't get very good publicist. Not because it is a bad show. So give it a shot and you might really enjoy it.

The everyday life story of the three teenager boys in the city of Seattle. As they tried out a hand on relationship with their girlfriends. A simple storyline; though, kind of gay; it workout pretty well than expected.

This is unlike any other drama teenager you'll ever see. Somehow I feel like this is a chick show, with everyone clean shave, dress nicely, talk nicely and totally polish environment. The shows also provide some weird directing angle and talking to the camera thing, not very professional.

What good about this show is the cast which work pretty well together. Both boys and girls seem to have a bright future. Though, the story is nothing new it works just fine and some time might be even catchy and funny.

Finals Words: Of my experience, watch beyond 4-5 episode before you'll be hook to it. The story is light and making it somewhat fun to watch.

Rating: 7/10 (Grade: C+)

Please Rate After Reading Yes/No, Thanks!!!

Entertaining and Honest

[loopy_white-1 · 9/10 · 13 May 2008]

When this show first aired on Television, I decided to flick it on to see what new Teen Shows are being aired lately. I was over The OC and nothing new seemed to be grabbing my attention, so this one was a Diamond in the rough. It was honest, giving near enough and an accurate retelling of what life is like for us teenage guys, and the means of attaining it (and by 'IT' I mean sex) While not many of us actually end up doing our teachers, we do think about it a lot as this show implies... I thought the dialog was witty and immature enough to keep it real. My only serious problem with this show was that it got canceled, and stopped being aired in my country! I would have liked to see slightly more than the seven episodes aired here and a second season would have been something I would enjoyed immensely.

AWESOME

[PMVart28 · 3 December 2004]

I have watched the last 2 episodes and think the show is awesome. Anyone who thinks this show can be compared to Dawsons creek is dead wrong. Finally there is a show out there that takes things from a guys point of view and what they show is the truth. Most teen dramas, like those featured on the WB, make high school guys seem like babies when it comes to sex, 99.9% of guys just want to have sex and aren't all emotional about it, what I am trying to say is, it's nice to see Dino and the guys actually act like guys when it comes to sex instead of sitting around mulling over it with the girls and "analyzing" all the consequences of it. Great show, Jackie is gorgeous.

an incredible addiction

[caarrrllyy · 10/10 · 20 November 2007]

honestly i cant tell you how badly i am hooked on this show. Although i feel like i cheated because it took me so long to even realize that this show even existed. One of my all time favorite actresses is Missy Peregrym even thought she hasn't been in much. what made me look into this show was her. After seeing her in stick it (without seeing the show ) it was really weird but so awesome to see her in a way more feminine and romantic roll. its weird that thats the way she kind of transitioned. At first i was really questionable about the cast and they way that there chemistry went together but it was definitely a show that dragged me in and made me realize that this is one of the coolest shows i've ever seen. If they do continue this show, which that most likely wont, due to the fact that none of them look like high schoolers but if they do continue it if the original cast don't return with the show then its pointless. we watched the show for the drama but we stayed with the show for the actors. This show is so realistic and has taught me so much. please please do not remake this show if in fact the original cast does not return. if they do i can usurer you that it will cont to be a great show. Continue what a lot of people call the show of life. to end my comment, this is an amazing show and if it continues i will praise you forever!!

10! Best show ever!

[true-acidcore · 10/10 · 11 February 2007]

What a show, just perfect. I think everyone can relate to at least one of the story lines. The script is intelligent and funny and it's not like other high school shows that have the characters use cliché buzzwords and get into ridiculous situations. This show should never have gotten axed as it's the only show I would literally stop what I am doing and watch. I accidentally found this show by channel surfing at 2 o'clock in the morning and there it was, and I was instantly hooked by it's great theme tune and humour (I don't usually like American TV show humour as it's usually condensed not to offend anyone.)

So in short buy the DVD or find out what channel is showing it and tune in!

Bring back LAWKI!

Every teenager can relate to this.....

[fatfairy072 · 10/10 · 2 January 2007]

I first saw this show by accident, but I'm so glad I didn't change the channel. 'Life As We Know' depicts teenage life perfectly. Personally, I am nearly 18, and can relate fully to the characters on the show. They deal with such ordinary, everyday issues. This show rocks. I love all the characters, it's so life-like. You can relate fully to the characters. it's awesome. Parents with teens should watch this, that way they can understand us. Love it!!!!!!! I recommend this show to absolutely everybody! Its like the show reflects my own life, and all the issues i've had to deal with. I'm glad to see i'm not the only one who had a hard time growing up. :)

Might continue the show??

[irondragonsll · 10/10 · 17 July 2007]

The show was one of the best i've watched on t.v having to deal with teenage problems and such. At first I only watched it to see Missy Peregrym (Jackie). I watch her stuff because she's my favorite actress. I typed her name in on you tube video search and on the 2nd or 3rd page the show popped up. I immediately fell in love with the episode i watched but couldn't find episode's 1-6.

After looking on this site I found Life as we know it, but the airing date and such was in 2010. I'm curious to whether they are continuing the show somehow and I really hope that they do.

If you have any information on if its coming back or not please do tell!!

interior monologues annoyed me and Dino too

[SnoopyStyle · 6/10 · 21 September 2015]

Dino Whitman (Sean Faris), Ben Connor (Jon Foster) and Jonathan Fields (Chris Lowell) are sex-obsessed virgin best friends sophomore high schoolers in Seattle. Dino is a cocky hockey player in love with Jackie Bradford (Missy Peregrym) who is more reluctant about sex. Her father is a drunk. Sue Miller (Jessica Lucas) is her best friend. Awkward Jonathan is friends with Deborah Tynan (Kelly Osbourne). He wants sex but she needs more. Ben has a secret fling with teacher Monica Young (Marguerite Moreau). Dino sees his mother Annie (Lisa Darr) cheating with Coach Scott. His parents Annie and Michael (D. B. Sweeney) are in trouble. Mia Tynan (Sarah Strange) is Deborah's liberal single mom and friend to the Whitmans.

I really love the Jonathan Deborah relationship. It's adorably cute and hilarious at times. Ben and Miss Young have a compelling forbidden relationship. Jackie has her after-school-special life. Dino drives me crazy with his annoying whines. Some of it can be excused but it doesn't make it appealing. He simply rubs me the wrong way. Then there are the interior monologues. They are not a good gimmick and break up the flow of the show. Also Dino gets to whine AT the audience which is even more annoying. This is pretty good as a teen melodrama with a photogenic cast. The various annoyances keep it from being great.

Love It

[blu_rain13 · 10/10 · 19 July 2006]

I love this show! I saw the original pilot when it aired, and totally fell in love with it. But, as the year went on and homework piled up, I didn't continue watching the show. Later, when I looked for it on the new schedule, to my disappointment, the show had been canceled.

Fast forward a year and a half. I found it on NetFlix and ordered it right away, falling in love all over again. The story lines are good and thorough, and the writers aren't afraid to tackle mature content. The acting is great from the three male leads, as well as the three supporting actresses. Even the parents' story lines aren't boring.

I have even gotten my friends hooked on this show. I showed it to them at a party, and they just could not get enough of it!

Life As We Know It

[nikelso · 10/10 · 21 September 2006]

They have to make a season 2! And it was only 13 episodes? That's just sad! If you're a teenager, it's so awesome to watch Life As We Know It. You recognize yourself in many different situations. And the music that's being played in the end of every episode! It's just brilliant! Excellent teen music....I love it. The name of the series, is extraordinary! "Life As We Know It"....yeah..it IS life as we know it. About 20 things that happens to the main-characters have happened to me! If you recognize yourself in something that happens with for example Ben....then you get a lot of tips of how to handle the problem! I have ordered this series on DVD and can't wait to get it. If you haven't watch it, watch it! PS: if you are 16-18 years old. That's just my opinion though.

Better than some

[jill1223 · 5/10 · 16 July 2006]

I can see why this show was cancelled. Thats not to say it was that bad unfortunately the writers chose to start the series with two story arcs that were clichéd and tired - the affair with the teacher - done numerous times before most prominently in Dawsons Creek. The fact this one was more believable in that the teacher at least looked a lot closer to the students age doesn't really matter. The second the affair with the coach kind of pathetic. This show did improve as it went on and the stories moved away from these clichés. The acting was reasonable with Kelly Osbourne the surprising standout. However to compare this show in quality to either My So Called Life or Freaks and Geeks is a joke - both of these shows are a standout in the teen genre demonstrating something rarely seen - originality. That said it was better than the rubbish that didn't get cancelled such as the OC and One tree hill.

Great Show

[JohnMorey1 · 11 January 2005]

This has been one of the stand out shows of the new season. Not only is it entertaining, but it's characters closely reflect the angst that teenagers feel. I also like the fact that they don't shy away from how life really is for kids. They show them drinking and always trying to have sex. That's really the way it is for many if them.

They artfully handle story lines that deal with things like parents getting a divorce.

Although the show is from the three male lead's point of view, they are equally as good at painting the female characters.

My only wish is that it was in a better time slot. Perhaps ABC will allow it to build an audience.

Teenage adventures

[zurdulla · 8/10 · 1 August 2021]

Nice and funny TV show. Easy and interesting plot. It is a pity that there is no sequel. The main disadvantage of this TV serial is that many teenagers look much older than they should.

Sadly canceled

[gtslade-1 · 9/10 · 7 January 2007]

I caught this show when it came on and felt kind of guilty about watching because it was kind of soap-opera-y. However, it got better and better so, of course, it was canceled.

Not only are the cast terrific, it has amazing production values, which are appreciated on the DVD, not to mention the absence of screen distractions like the bug in the corner. Music is excellent. Manages to put humour into depressing situations, and to capture all the "fun" of adolescence and adolescents.

While I personally identify more with the less gorgeous characters on "My So-Called Life," this is still a wonderful show that I'm enjoying more the second time around, and will undoubtedly view again.

Excellent! Enjoyable to watch

[qasdfghj · 10/10 · 12 April 2012]

I really enjoyed this show. It was very pleasurable to watch. Though at first appearance it has the feel of a show like One Tree Hill, the plot is considerably more substantial and mature. The characters have as much depth and intrigue of the excellent characters on "Freaks and Geeks" but represent a different subset of the student body.

The storyline is stimulating and keeps you on the edge of your chair throughout all of the episodes - well done. The issues raised are intriguing, but never turn dark and deeply negative. There always ends up being resolution and a way to pull out. I really like that... it creates a show that is easier to watch. It's a good family show, and made me empathize with parents more once it was over.

I would give it 10 stars. Also, I personally didn't mind that it ended abruptly... it was well worth a watch. Just don't expect much resolution at the end.

getting in contact with the makers of this show

[snowboard_sam70 · 10/10 · 29 July 2006]

I for one loved this series and was shocked when i heard the show had been axed. I would like to get in contact with people involved in this series and make a partition to get it up and running again. If you would like to be part of my partition and or find out any information of how to contact the makers please email me on [e-mail]. For the reviewing purposes : the show is great and nothing but. I strongly recommend you watch it!! Saadly its not on TV anymore but you can buy the first series on DVD at amazon for a reasonable price. Buy it now. trust me. you'll like it. Really you will.

Earnest and Realistic

[EchoingSilent · 9 October 2004]

Coming from a 14-year-old male, I was genuinely interested in seeing this. I knew it was going to be blunt, but I had no idea. The guys willing tell you that they're horny, and one even gets up and runs off to the bathroom, presumably to masturbate.

At least wait until you get home.

ANYWAY, this is one of the best teen dramas I've seen in a while. The idea of characters narrating the story does make it seem a bit like My So-Called Life, but "life as we know it" found a different way of narrating. The background freezes, and the character looks directly at the camera and comments. It felt a little forced at the beginning, but it soon meshed in and felt natural.

Each of the main characters (Dino, Jonathan, and Ben) have their own problems, aspirations and failures, and plenty of flaws. And they talk like any normal person would. I'm sick of hearing people on TV flaunting words I've never even heard of.

The characters were well thought-out, they appear to be contrived for a moment,(Stud, Skittish Nerd, A Student) but almost immediately reveal different facets to their personalities, making them seem multi-dimensional. By the time I finished the pilot I felt like they were my best friends, that I'd known them my whole life. The acting is very good, especially coming from kids, and Kelly Osbourne held up remarkably well.

Their reactions and emotions ring true, and thank God, Jonathan (the nerd) actually acts (although doesn't look) like a nerd. He stated, "I've only really been with one other girl, and she...well, we tried and I like, couldn't find anything. I mean, it's not like diagrams or even in the magazines, it's really complicated!! So...she just laughed and, um, left."

Ouch. But finally a "nerd" who has "nerdy" problems.

Anyway, this is one of the best, and most realistic teen dramas I've seen in a while. It's actually quite funny at points, so it's thankfully not a soap-fest. And it's also a relief to see a teen drama that isn't built around an outlandish premise...(cough, The OC, One Tree Hill, cough cough). It takes place in thankfully unremarkable Seattle. I just hope that this show doesn't fall into the same ratings no-mans-land that My So-Called Life did.

So, watch this show, it'll be worth your while.

*Sigh* My New Guilty Pleasure

[tinkerbella · 7 October 2004]

Great! I saw the pilot about an hour ago, and I'm still itching to watch more. I can't help it! There are tons of teen dramas on television nowadays that I try to shy away from (The O.C, One Tree Hill, Degrassi), but honestly, I don't think I'll be able to not watch this.

It's edgy, and it uses a completely original (at least, as far as I've seen) format for how the three main characters' stories are told, through freeze shots where they relay their inner thoughts to the viewer. Our hero's aren't perfect, they all have flaws (for instance, the character Dino's sneaky schemes to get his girlfriend to have sex with him), but they are all endearing.

The music is great, the acting is decent (and nowadays, decent is all you can really ask for) and the subplots are all intriguing. I mean, it's only the pilot, and already there is loads of drama to have me in front of my T.V set next Thursday night!

I must say, my favorite character already is Johnathan, who's an awkward but sweet guy, desperate to keep up with his friends (especially the ladies man Dino), but also confront his feelings for his "fat" best friend, played by Kelly Osbourne (who, surprisingly, did really well!). Overall, if you're looking for an hour or so of some solid entertainment (nothing award-winning I admit), and you're a fan of this genre, you might want to take a gander at this show.

Great Writing, Great Cast

[RandySavage · 14 October 2004]

The Yankees weren't playing, so I was flipping around and caught this show. Now, there have been many films/shows about hormone-driven high school boys.

What sets "life as we know it" apart is the writing. The dialogue and story lines are both funny (the one guy whose parents accuse of being chronic masturbator) and heartfelt (Dino's mother's affair). The performances from the three leads are top-notch: Foster is much improved from his brooding turn in "Door in the Floor," and Faris, who looks like Tom Cruise, Jr., is also a fine actor. With his looks and acting ability he is probably poised for superstardom.

The friendship that the three boys share is really at the center of this show. While on the surface it may seem like it is only about sex, most viewers will be able to see that this show is really about surviving adolescence in America and "getting by with a little help from your friends."

Highest Recommendation

Life As I Know It

[PrettyInPnk187 · 13 October 2004]

Maybe other people think that this show is cliché but I think it couldn't be any more realistic. I just graduated from high school and the way the guys acted on the show is exactly how I know them to be. Every single guy that I knew at sixteen acted exactly like that(I'm only seventeen). Not to mention the teacher on the show that reminded me so much of about four English teachers I have known. It was so realistic when it came to the "full-figured" issue where he likes her but doesn't want to be embarrassed. I think cliché would be high school cheerleaders, jocks, and nerds. I don't see any of those labels here. This isn't some "Saved by the Bell" episode. And I don't think the aim of the pilot was to so much feel for the characters without really knowing them, as it was to just have you understand them.

Love It

[youngmom2016 · 12 November 2004]

This show is yet another teen show but it's better then most. The teens actually talk and act like teens, they don't sound like "Dawson's Creek". Don't get me wrong, I actually liked Dawson's Creek but there's more comedy in Life As We Know It. The teens aren't trying to find their soul mate, they are trying to get laid and that's how most teens are. The teacher affair storyline has been used a lot but it works with this show. It's a new show and they needed something to get our attention so why not. I think this show is really good, it's funny but with a little drama. But where you find teens you will find drama. So for what it's worth I think that this show is one of the best I have seen in a long time and besides the guys are really hot and Kelly Osbourne, I thought that she would suck at acting but she doesn't. She's the best of the three girls on the show.

my life

[jlove1 · 29 November 2004]

WOW.."Life as We Know It" has been only on 3 times and i've fallen head-over-heals for this show! I can relate to it so much. I give my friends, family, and myself each a role in the show... it is like our lives but on TV. I've never seen anything like this before. The show seems so real, like you are there with the characters. When the characters talk to the TV screen and say what they are feeling, i thik its great. For all those times a girl has no idea what a boy is really thinking in his head (and vice versa) it is revealed; and its not revealed in a corny way either, it actually makes sense. I hadn't seen previews for the show in a few weeks and i thought it might have be canceled, which would be completely wrong. This show is basically a teen agers life in a nut shell, and the way they have to deal with different difficulties is so real. I look forward to it every Thursday night!!

A smart, if not flawed TV show.

[jojo2323 · 8 October 2004]

"life as we know it" (no capitalizations for supreme coolness), despite it's obvious flaws is a stand-out drama series. The coming-of-age story follows three high school boys whose mission is that of almost every real life high school boy- the name need not apply. Dino, the central character grapples with his need to be intimate with his less than willing girlfriend and a stunning secret he has just learned about his mother. His friends Ben and Jonathan are less secure with their social status and sex life, one coming to terms with dating the girl everyone makes fun of and the other beginning a relationship with his young teacher that definitely crosses the professional line. The show stands out from other soapy dramas because of it's ability to be frank in discussions of sex and the consequences (and even rewards) that come from it. The boys speak their minds and hold nothing back which may offend some. But it's a truthful depiction that shows both the careless desire of high school life and the maturity that must come with sexual relationships. But the package, unfortunately, doesn't come without some nicks. The style of the three leads speaking to the camera when blurting confessions, while sometimes amusing is also conventional and clichéd. As is some of the dialogue that veers the story from an original format to glorifying potentially cardboard characters. The three leads, however, are extremely charismatic and play very well off of each other. Other notable praises should be directed at first-time actress Kelly Osbourne, who plays Deborah almost too convincingly. Her ability to generate emotion and sympathy for an all-too-true character is stellar. In "life as we know it", there's much to be worked with but equally as much to be destroyed. If the cards are played right (and the ratings are high enough) this could turn out to be a sophisticated, enlightening teen drama in the vein of "The OC".

Hope It Lasts!

[robc-11 · 15 October 2004]

There have only been two episodes of this so far, but I am hooked already! Kudos to ABC for presenting a teenage drama that does not sugarcoat teenage issues or pretend to moralize. I look forward to seeing what develops in the future. I knew guys (and girls) just like this when I was in high school. Sex, drugs, drinking, parties...yes, parents, it all happens. This is very well-written and developed, and I hope it can escape the axe. ABC needs to give this show a chance to build a fan base. I also enjoy "The O.C.," but it is more fantasy escapism. "Life As We Know It" is more edgy and real. Also, Kelly Osbourne is such a natural actress! I am impressed with her acting and I love her character.