The Chair

The Chair

show

2021, Drama, Comedy

WISE
68%

WISE Score

86

Avg. Tomatometer

Sandra Oh navigates academia's minefield as the first woman of color chair of a failing English department—think workplace drama meets ivory tower politics.

IMDb7.2
RT Critics86%
MC73
TMDB6.5
Common Sense Media
Where to Watch
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Screenwise Verdict

The Chair is a perfectly fine adult dramedy that tackles interesting themes about race, gender, and institutional power in academia. Sandra Oh is great, and if you're into workplace drama with some social commentary, you'll probably enjoy it.

But let's be real: this got cancelled after one season for a reason. The 6.5 TMDB rating tells the story - it's decent but not must-watch television. It's smart without being brilliant, topical without being groundbreaking.

For parents: this is 100% adult content with zero relevance for kids. If you're looking for something to watch after the kids are in bed and you want something thoughtful but not too heavy, this fits the bill. Just don't expect it to blow your mind or stick with you long-term.

Age Fit

This is squarely adult content, best for viewers 18+ who are interested in workplace drama, academic politics, or institutional dynamics. The mature themes, sexual content, and professional conflicts make it inappropriate for teens and younger viewers.

WISE Breakdown
Wholesome
72

The show models professional resilience and navigating institutional challenges with grace. It deals with workplace dynamics, generational tensions, and academic politics in a mostly mature way. However, it includes adult relationship content and workplace conflicts that may not be emotionally appropriate for younger viewers. The tone is generally balanced between comedy and drama without being chaotic.

Imaginative
58

While the premise of a woman of color navigating academia as the first female chair is relatively fresh, the execution is fairly standard workplace dramedy. It doesn't particularly invite creative thinking or exploration beyond its narrative. The academic setting offers some intellectual curiosity, but the show is more about interpersonal dynamics than innovative storytelling or imaginative world-building.

Safe
65

As an adult dramedy, this contains mature themes including workplace relationships, sexual content, drinking, and adult language. There's no graphic violence or gore, but there are adult situations that would be inappropriate for children to stumble upon. The show deals with cancel culture, academic scandals, and relationship drama that includes some sexual content. For its target adult audience, it's relatively safe, but it's definitively not family viewing.

Enriching
75

The show offers meaningful commentary on academia, institutional racism, sexism, generational divides, and the challenges of leadership. It provides insight into higher education politics, cancel culture, and the complexities of being a woman of color in a predominantly white institution. The exploration of mentorship, legacy, and institutional change offers genuine food for thought. However, entertainment value is moderate - the TMDB rating of 6.5 suggests it's decent but not exceptional.

Parent Info
✓

Why It Might Be Great

  • Sandra Oh delivers a nuanced performance exploring the pressures of being a 'first' in institutional leadership
  • Tackles timely issues like cancel culture, generational divides in academia, and institutional racism with intelligence
  • Short commitment - only 6 episodes means you can binge it in a weekend and form your own opinion
  • Offers genuine insight into higher education politics and the challenges women of color face in predominantly white institutions
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What to Watch For

  • Contains adult content including sexual situations and mature relationship drama - definitely not family viewing
  • Workplace conflicts and academic politics may feel niche or slow-paced if you're not into that world
  • The show was cancelled after one season, so don't expect resolution or a complete story arc
  • Some scenes involve drinking, adult language, and mature workplace dynamics

Conversation Starters

  • "What do you think about how institutions handle controversy and 'cancel culture'? Is there a fair way to navigate those situations?"
  • "Have you ever been the 'first' to do something or felt like you had to represent a whole group? How did that feel?"
  • "The show explores generational differences in how people view education and social issues. Do you see those divides in real life?"
Stills
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