What I Like About You (2002–2006) User Reviews

What DON'T I Like About It?

[CaptHayfever · 6/10 · 1 November 2002]

Great. Show.

Simon Rex does very well as Val's caring, 'frustrated', & kinda dumb boyfriend Jeff. Wesley Jonathan (City Guys) also capably handles his role as Holly's friend Gary.

Then the REAL stars. Jennie Garth was arguably the single most talented cast member of 90210, so it's good to see her in something that's actually watchable now. She does a great job as Val, and is much funnier than most predicted she'd be.

Amanda Bynes. What more can I say? She's (literally) the reason this show was created, she plays the main character Holly perfectly, she's one of the best physical comediennes still living today, she's funny, she's a gifted actress, she's very down-to-earth and normal off-screen, she's smart, she's a great improvisor, and she's beautiful. What more could someone ask for?

My only problem is that they should've used the original song for the opening; otherwise, the show's superb.

This show is well-written, well-acted (of course), well-premised (if that's even a word), and well-casted (duh, it's Amanda). I can't wait for next week's episode, and I encourage all of you to watch.

OK cute sitcom

[SnoopyStyle · 6/10 · 16 August 2015]

Holly Tyler (Amanda Bynes)'s father is moving to Japan for his new job. She stays with her strait-laced sister Valerie (Jennie Garth) for a final week before moving. Val has a great life in NYC. Holly is nothing but trouble. Despite the various disasters, Val takes her in. Gary Thorpe is her best friend. Lauren starts out as a competitive co-worker and ends up as Val's best friend. In the 2nd season, Holly finds a new friend in rebellious Tina Haven. The two Tyler sisters find love and heartbreak.

This was when Amanda Bynes was still cute and funny. She's doing broad and sometime slapstick comedy. This has photogenic actors in a perfectly OK blend of single-gal sitcom and teenage comedy. The rotating boyfriend carousel does get tiresome. It's hard to say any of the boyfriends truly stuck. In the end, the best couple is probably Holly and Val although Gary and Tina do find each other. This is a passable cute sitcom with some serviceable laughs.

What I like about "What I Like About You"

[smooth_op_85 · 7/10 · 12 December 2006]

While I would say I enjoy the show, I expected something completely different from when I first saw 'What I like about you' I expected to find something along the lines of 'All That' (I am not sure if it is going on anymore) but I have to say I do like the show and while i don't classify it as a breakthrough show, it is very charming and I do like the chemistry between the characters as well (including the supporting cast)

I would definitely say that it is great to see Wesley Jonathan back on the screen because I really loved him in City Guy. I had also seen the woman who plays Valerie's friend in Popular and while I think that was an okay show, I do not really like her character in this show because she's just not my cup of tea but she rounds it out pretty well

Lots of Slapstick

[lzf0 · 21 September 2002]

I wasn't expecting much. Just another boring, predictable "talking heads" situation comedy. But this show was different. Amanda Bynes has a background of playing broad comedy on Nickelodeon shows. Jennie Garth is best remembered for playing teen angst on "Beverly Hills, 90210". Inside the silly plot of the pilot, which was similar to an RKO short subject comedy of the 1940s or 1950s, physical comedy abounded. Bynes comes off like a teenaged Lucille Ball and Garth is dragged into the action. No, Garth is no straight women; she handles the physical stuff better than expected. The pilot was a good start. Now only if the writers don't allow the show to get soft and sentimental! Keep the physical comedy coming!

Fun but embarrassing selfish drama

[lyyuan · 6/10 · 16 June 2022]

I find this show on HBOMax, because I saw Amanda, I thought I should give it a try.

The season 1 is really good, so funny!!! Definitely a success as a sitcom.

But as I watched season 2, I couldn't bear the drama between Holly Henry and Vince , which is worse than twilight. Holly was like a selfish spoiled kid, I get it, but would you please choose one at all?! "One week for Henry, and next week for Vince " is driving me crazy. Now season 3, another one, Ben showed up, and this relationship was worse twisted. Especially the drama that Holly chose between her sis wedding and her known-for-3-week boyfriend gig, is so unbearable. OMG, I just can't, so I quit the show.

Val is cute, I get to love this character as I watched the show, Lauren was not very likable but she's like Gary, funny characters for the show.

I love it

[pelin_91 · 10/10 · 27 April 2008]

The show is about two sisters living together. Holly being the younger one has some teenage problems on the other hand her sister Val has job,boy friend,fiancé problems like most of the women on the planet. They try to support each other they make mistakes sometimes but they don't give up and continue. And the show is also about friendship. The priorities in life. I loved this show so much. It is funny and the actors are so good. I am really sad that the show is over. I still watch the reruns time to time:) Amanda Bynes is very talented. Jenny Garth may be new to comedy but she plays really well. She is one of the actresses i like watching. I like Vince and Holly's relationship they are very natural. Gary is a natural talent and makes you laugh each time he shows up. With Tina Holly found a real friend and i really like them hanging out. Lauren character is so funny and she is a natural talent. I would like to see her more. This show really takes you in and makes you laugh. I wish the show hasn't been over.

Amazing, Funny and Lovely

[angelcc-57878 · 10/10 · 14 January 2019]

This show is so wonderful, I enjoy every single minute, the finale was so beautiful, but I wish the writers would give Lauren a better ending. But still, What I Like About You is better than a lot of comedy shows from now Jennie Garth & Amanda Bynes are the best

What I DON'T like about you

[ikoiko33 · 1/10 · 7 January 2009]

This show is painful to watch ...

It is obvious that the creators had no clue what to do with this show, from the ever changing "jobs", boyfriends, and cast. It appears that they wanted to cast Amanda Bynes in something ... but had no idea what, and came up with this crappy show. They cast her as a teen, surrounded by twenty and thirty somethings, and put her in mostly adult situations at repeatedly failed attempts at comedy. Soon, they realize that she needs a "clique" and cast people in their late 20s to try to pass as teenagers.

How this show survived 4 seasons is beyond me. Somehow, ABC has now decided that it is a "family" show, and thrown it into it's afternoon lineup on ABC Family.

Laugh out loud funny!!

[jenreneejb · 8/10 · 13 June 2021]

I watch this show when i need a laugh. Amanda Bynes is very talented, with her slapstick funny kinda like Lucy on I Love Lucy. Wesley Jonathon is hilarious as well. What a great combo. Then Jennie Garth plays the straight laced one which really works well for the show. Jennies boyfriend on the show is kinda goofy and funny in his own way. Just the perfect show to laugh your butt off!!

Well....isn't this nice.....NO! it isn't!

[drsnap · 1/10 · 21 January 2005]

Well, what can you say about sitcoms. There often quite lame, morale dedicative, and just plain. So is this show! It got a boring cast, although A.Bynes is okej in her perky way, the rest is just stereotypical crap....as always. We have all seen it before, and will probably see it all over again when this show is cancelled. Cause, lets face it, its a mediocre and self righteous show. As the most sitcoms are....

Well, in short. If you wanna see some good entertainment, you can rather take a twenty minute pause in front of the mirror. Do some faces and move on.... Its more entertaining than this show!

Very Cute

[missygoldstein · 2 January 2004]

There are about 3 shows on tv today that I feel are even remotely watchable. The rest are either "reality shows" or just plain crap. Just to clarify; I think reality shows are crap as well. Anyhoo, when I first saw the previews for this show I thought "looks cute" but c'mon, another lame sitcom I'm sure. Well I must admit that I've now seen this show about 3 times and was very surprised while although it does not break any new ground and is not fall off your chair hilarious, or incredibly clever it is a very charming show. Jennie Garth and Amanda Baynes are both great in their roles and work very well as sisters. I wouldn't say it's great, like the greats; news radio, seinfeld...but it is a nice show, well done, well written and nicely acted.

The ultimate comfort show.

[njrene · 8/10 · 9 February 2022]

I remember my sister watching this show and I never really got into it and I watched it on HBO MAX and it's a show where you can just turn your brain off and relax and enjoy it. The finale ended things perfectly with every character getting what they wanted and Then there's Lauren.

Uplifting Comedy

[karenlorraine-06542 · 9/10 · 10 July 2022]

I love this show! & I purchased all the 1 to 4 seasons of the Series.... What I Like About You! ! I had wondered why they never used the titled of the song: What I Like About You. I did see over 1 of the episodes they did play this song. But I did hear there might had been a controversy over receiving the consent to using this song for the series! I'm not sure if this was the case "OR" not!! But if so which is understandable! How you have to receive that permission first! Based over Copyright issue!! Having Songs of my own!! But based over the ownership of this song!! But it would be good to see Amanda Bynes, Jennie Garth & Leslie Grossman. Unfortunate Stephen Dunham's passing knowing his character as Peter would not to be played as a come back "OR" Luke Perry as Charlie may these 2 RIP! But it would be nice to watch all the characters to do a come back sort of like a Reunion!!

Squealing

[avayahp · 4/10 · 6 July 2012]

I have never heard so much squealing in a show. The girls seem to be some sort of dolphin species. The men are OK, without spine, but OK. At 1am when there's nothing else to watch, sure, you can put up with this. Holly is more self centered than is absolutely necessary. OK, to be honest it's a really crappy show. Then again I watched a couple of episodes so it can't be too bad. Just make sure you are super bored when you watch this.....and try to ignore the "little girl" voices of the female cast. Holly dresses really well though. It's watching a bunch of adults have relationships in the sort of way that high schoolers would. Garth is not a comedic actress.......she must have been broke or something to commit to this series. then again she hasn't done much since 90210.

What I Like About 'What I Like About You'

[marcus_stokes2000 · 8/10 · 24 August 2006]

*What I Like About SPOILERS* Teenager Holly Tyler (Amanda Bynes) goes to live with older sister Valerie (Jennie Garth) to avoid moving to Japan with her father; but she doesn't know the half of the wacky things that will happen to her from now on, and not only to her, but to her sister, her friends Gary (Wesley Jonathan) and Tina (Alison Munn), boyfriend Henry (Michael McMillian), crush Vince (Nick Zano), Valerie's boyfriend Jeff (Simon Rex), first boss (then firefighter then husband) Vic (Dan Cortese), annoying colleague Lauren (Leslie Grossman) and second boss Peter (?) If you don't have a funny bone in your body, please skip this; if you like only veeeery sophisticated comedy this isn't for you; if you like a funny, sometimes touching show with two hot chicks who can act in the lead (and none other than the fabulous 'Mary Cherry' from Popular - Leslie Grossman - in the main cast), then what the hell are you waiting for? You're welcome to Casa De Tyler! What I Like About You (2002-2006): 8.

Love Amanda Bynes--Loathe this show

[natfan1971 · 1/10 · 2 December 2006]

What I hate about this show is how poorly the leads are written. These women have no self-respect or dignity. The entire plot is them throwing themselves at guys. Amanda Bynes' talent is completely wasted. She was brilliant on "All That" and her own show. Why they would write her and Jenny Garth as vapid, airhead, desperate, men chasing, "old-maid" wannabes is beyond me.

Their plots and dialog remind me of "The Simpons", Homer says whenever his cartoon character Poochie is not on screen, "Everyone should ask, where's Poochie?". All the talk centers on whining about some guy, and then whining to some guy. Sometimes they change it up and the guy whines instead. Then they get back together or break up at the end. The 2 women are either shallow, stupid, or sex addicts. The only word I can think of is "sucks".

A terrific show.

[shadow_empress · 19 May 2003]

Whether you live in the U.S., or in Canada (and if you have cable), you'll be able to enjoy the laugh-out-loud comedy of 'What I Like About You'.

'What I Like About You' stars Amanda Bynes as Holly, Jennie Garth as Val, Simon Rex as Jeff, and Wesley Jonathon as Gary. Together, they are hilarious. Amanda Bynes gets to express a more mature type of comical material, leaving the little kid in 'All That' and 'The Amanda Show' behind.

Jennie Garth, previously starring in 'Beverly Hills 90210' seems kind of tedious and uptight as the older sister to Bynes, but she appears to loosen up into a nice, more humorous groove after awhile.

The story is like this: Holly (Bynes) has to move in with her older sister, Val (Garth), after their Father is moving to Japan. These two don't exactly go together like whipped cream and pumpkin pie (or whatever it is you think is a great combo!), but they love each other, and learn to get along in the end. After all, it's for the greater good!

I recommend this show to anyone who needs a laugh.

review

[lilnikkie04 · 10/10 · 15 November 2006]

I have just started watching the TV series "What I like About You" and I must say that is a joy to watch. I always like to see new shows do well considering a lot of shows go off before you really get a feel for them. I have watched Amanda Bynes since "All That" she is truly a funny girl, what is the best about her comedy is that its so natural and what i mean about that is, its something that a person could here there best friend saying, its not rehearsed.

I just recently started watching the show and have fell in love. I am just watching re-runs as of now but am looking forward to the next season. All the characters in the show give something to the whole story line. Its nice to see some old face from other shows I enjoyed watching in the past such as, Jennie Garth from "90210", Leslie Grossman from "Popular", and Wesley Jonathan from "City Guys." The New Character are very talented as well, Nick Zano has that charm the makes you love him even when he is doing something wrong to holly (Bynes).

Overall this show has the right ingredients to be successful, I look forward to watching it grow.

"What I Like About You" is such a good show

[smarty_q_59 · 10/10 · 29 October 2006]

I love this show. I watch all the reruns every day even though I have seen all of them like 6 time s each.

It's about two sisters, Holly (Amanda Bynes) and Val (Jennie Garth), who live in New York. Holly goes to live with Val when their dad is transferred to Japan. Val has the perfect life, she has a boyfriend and a perfect apartment of the Upper East Side.

The show basically shows all the problems Vall and Holly go through. the main problem is guys but also is about being responsible and other life choices.

Holly is 16 and is a total free spirit while Val is the complete opposite. She is the organized has to have a plan to do anything kind of person.

The other characters are Henry, Vince, Gary, Lauren, and Tina.

Insincere bloaty face.

[copperncherrio · 2/10 · 13 March 2011]

A younger sister moves in with her controlling but cute older sister New York City. They learn to love each other and become friends while adjusting to their new life with each other. Lots of love plots and comedy ensues.

Review: I must admit I am rather biased. I hate Amanda Bynes. But I like Jennie Garth… but I hate the character Garth plays on the show. Why do I hate Amanda Bynes? Well, in all honestly its mostly her character Holly… her selfish, humorless, and slutty character. Due to my dinner time and my roommate's dislike for serious TV dramas… I was stuck watching this. Normally I do not crap over things I have not seen or read. However, I have seen all 4 seasons. It's not that her character cheats, lies, or is annoying, it's just how she does it ( I know that is such a 'girl' comment). Holly so insincere. Urg. I just wanted to see Holly suffer, which never happened.

*Vanity note: Plus towards the end of the series Amanda Bynes got all bloat-y faced but skinnier which was weird to look at, which made it even more annoying. I just watch her screeching bobble head wobble in the pain of the show's lack of original or classic humor.

Not that bulimia is a joke, it's not necessary in her case or any others… it's just ugly.

Wish I paid attention to it when it was still new!

[AlexisRaeisRad · 10/10 · 14 January 2007]

My mom and I have just recently become addicted to this show, laughing our butts off! I've only seen about 10 episodes, and I am disappointed that I didn't pay attention to this hilarious series before they were canceled! The story line is very funny, the characters really have great personalities (or, not so great, but they're still funny!). I TiVO every episode of What I Like About You. Amanda Bynes and Jennie Garth, as well as all of the cast, never leave me bored while watching! There is some unsuitable language for children and some sexual content, but with a parental guide near, you shouldn't have too much problems. There is some sort of 'Friends' type of relationship that attracts me to this show. I really enjoy it.

Why?

[cantwork · 4/10 · 7 October 2009]

I'll admit I've only watched a handful of episodes, but each one seemed completely different from the next. It seems after the first season, the producers decided to completely retool the show, drop characters, introduce new ones, and rewrite the entire show dynamic.

As you have probably surmised already, the show is about quirky, unpredictable teenager Holly (Amanda Bynes) who moves in with her high strung sister Valerie (Jennie Garth) in New York City. Decent enough premise: odd couple + fish out of water + high jinx.

While I miss the sitcoms of yore, this show unfortunately misses the mark on funny repeatedly, and it's sad because they have some decent talent.

On top of everything, they insisted on changing the show (Val was living with a cast regular bf one season, then he was suddenly gone, so she opens a bakery? what?) When things change that drastically, you get the feeling that even the *show* knows it's bad. I mean, completely new sets, characters written off and new show regulars!

On a side note (this is just nitpicking), I know this is a television show and not real at all, but Val and Holly end up living in a HUGE loft duplex (there are stairs) with a terrace... in MANHATTAN! Are you serious!?

really good

[mattkratz · 6 November 2005]

This has become one of my favorite shows on television. At first I only watched it for its awesome theme songs but I have become hooked on it. Every week I enjoy watching it to see what kind of predicament Holly and Val get themselves into. I think the show is very well cast and has become truly hilarious. The leads and supporting cast are both excellent, and this is a perfect vehicle for Amanda Bynes. Yay WB! I think that with a few more seasons this will become even better. The characters are well fleshed-out, and I think it will only get better with time. I like it. Not only is it well cast, but the actors work well together in a great ensemble.

*** out of ****

I love it!

[jackie_jaimes2007 · 9/10 · 25 August 2007]

'What I Like About You' is definitely a show that I couldn't wait to see each day. Amanda Bynes is such an excellent actress and I grew up watching her show: 'The Amanda Show.' She's a very funny person and seems to be down to earth. "Holly" is such a like-able person and has an "out-there" personality. I enjoyed how she always seemed to turn things around and upside down, so she messed herself up at times. But that's what made the show so great.

I especially loved the show when the character 'Vince' came along. Nick Zano is very HOT and funny, as well as 'Gary', Wesley Jonathan. The whole cast was great, each character had their own personality and charm. Jennie Garth, Allison Munn, and Leslie Grossman were all very interesting. I especially loved 'Lauren'; she's the best! She helped make the show extra funny and you never know what she's gonna do or say next! Overall the show is really nice but the reason I didn't give it a 10 was because there's no more new episodes and because the episodes could've been longer and more deep.

An underrated gem

[bencurrey · 10/10 · 11 February 2021]

I have loved this show since I was a kid. From the creator of shows like "Drake and Josh," "Zoey 101," and "The Amanda Show" this is a more adult version of those Nickelodeon classics while also creating a spirit entirely it's own. Amanda Bynes shines as always, Jennie Garth proves her chops as a comedian after her 90210 days. Wesley Jonathan, Leslie Grossman and Allison Munn never fail to make you laugh. And of course, there are romances with beautiful women and hunky men. Plus, if anyone is interested in indulging in 2000s nostalgia, this show is chock full of it and then some.