I used to watch this show when I was growing up. When I think about it, I remember it very well. If you ask me, it was a good show. Two things I remember very well are the opening sequence and theme song. In addition to that, everyone was ideally cast. Also, the writing was very strong. The performances were top-grade, too. I hope some network brings it back so I can see every episode. Before I wrap this up, I'd like to say that I'll always remember this show in my memory forever, even though I'm not sure if I've seen every episode. Now, in conclusion, if some network ever brings it back, I hope that you catch it one day before it goes off the air for good.
21 Reviews
City Teens
hellraiser721 February 2020
Being a teenager in high school is never easy, nor is being one in the city, this is another under the radar gem that has not just been a bit overlooked but as time went on forgotten. The show to me is one of the last teen shows I've seen as I seen some episodes of this on part of my senior year in high school and even a few episodes in my freshman year of college.
Which is fitting in a couple of ways as it's a show about teens not just dealing with high school but facing and transitioning into the real world. But also this show was the last or one of the last shows for the Teen NBC block as it was shutting down for good; but also one of the last teen sitcoms of the 90's as this show was on the twilight years of the 90s and ended near the year I graduated high school.
You could say this show is pretty much "Saved by the Bell" but in the inner city. Which I don't mind because this time we don't have the bright and glossy backgrounds like in "Saved by the Bell" and here it's a little more relatable because not all of us live in California, people like myself live in the city. I really like the use of the set pieces where it's not just the school but also certain other parts you would see in a city which I felt kept the show from feeling too enclosed.
I like the theme song which I thought was solid not a favorite of mine but an enjoyable listen, it's a hip hop tune which fits the show as hip hop is one of the big tunes of the city. The characters I thought were all good, part of the unique thing about the show was the ensemble were all multi-racial, which I though was cool and something different at the time. This shows how the city consists of people of all races and walks of life but most importantly they were all characters their well-rounded and do actually have a little development. But I really like how their dynamics play out, you really feel like they all are friends sticking together thick and thin.
A couple of my favorites are Chris who is a person that is more on the upper class of things but he doesn't let it get to his head. What I like about his character is that he's kind of a dork as he can be a little cumbersome about most things; he's not very smooth as he doesn't always get the girl, and is always on a quest for coolness but doesn't succeed much. But he is always trying, and he does learn his lessons and does what is right.
Even like the buddy buddy dynamic with Jamal, both bounce and clash with one another well, really like they both support each other when needed and even have their own radio show together which shows how well both work together.
Though my favorite is Al, his character is funny as he's a wisecracker but he's also a schemer. I like how he sometimes has these scams to get rich quick or even popularity but of course most of the time those scams tend to fall flat or don't always get the desired results, however that doesn't stop the guy from trying. But I like that despite those things he has a heart to, he cares about people and what goes on around him and puts himself aside to do what's right.
The shows has some of the typical sitcomish situations in some episodes along with those GF and sometimes BFs of the week, which I'll admit is one bad thing about the show it's a bit of a fundamental problem most teen even sitcom shows have on characters hardly having any relationships mainly Jamal and Chris whom both never had a GF that stuck the long haul, the only ones that did are El Train and Cassidy whom I thought were a solid couple in the show, even Al and Dawn despite how long it lasted they had a good time. Though I can't complain about this that much and things like that happen in high school some have relationships that stick, and some don't.
However, when the show dove into real world issues which I felt is where the show was strongest, and helped remind us that despite this being a comedy show the character all still live in the same world we do. This intermix of both comedy and drama and it mixes and balances well because it knows when to be funny but also knows when the comedy hour is over.
There are plenty of good and memorable episodes that have these issues from "Jamal getting a Gun" which dealt in gun violence and trauma, "Ebony and Ivory" on racism, and an emotional episode where Miss Noble is in the hospital and Jamal is remembering his mother.
If you're into vintage teen sitcoms, like any major city this is one worth visiting.
Rating: 3 stars
Which is fitting in a couple of ways as it's a show about teens not just dealing with high school but facing and transitioning into the real world. But also this show was the last or one of the last shows for the Teen NBC block as it was shutting down for good; but also one of the last teen sitcoms of the 90's as this show was on the twilight years of the 90s and ended near the year I graduated high school.
You could say this show is pretty much "Saved by the Bell" but in the inner city. Which I don't mind because this time we don't have the bright and glossy backgrounds like in "Saved by the Bell" and here it's a little more relatable because not all of us live in California, people like myself live in the city. I really like the use of the set pieces where it's not just the school but also certain other parts you would see in a city which I felt kept the show from feeling too enclosed.
I like the theme song which I thought was solid not a favorite of mine but an enjoyable listen, it's a hip hop tune which fits the show as hip hop is one of the big tunes of the city. The characters I thought were all good, part of the unique thing about the show was the ensemble were all multi-racial, which I though was cool and something different at the time. This shows how the city consists of people of all races and walks of life but most importantly they were all characters their well-rounded and do actually have a little development. But I really like how their dynamics play out, you really feel like they all are friends sticking together thick and thin.
A couple of my favorites are Chris who is a person that is more on the upper class of things but he doesn't let it get to his head. What I like about his character is that he's kind of a dork as he can be a little cumbersome about most things; he's not very smooth as he doesn't always get the girl, and is always on a quest for coolness but doesn't succeed much. But he is always trying, and he does learn his lessons and does what is right.
Even like the buddy buddy dynamic with Jamal, both bounce and clash with one another well, really like they both support each other when needed and even have their own radio show together which shows how well both work together.
Though my favorite is Al, his character is funny as he's a wisecracker but he's also a schemer. I like how he sometimes has these scams to get rich quick or even popularity but of course most of the time those scams tend to fall flat or don't always get the desired results, however that doesn't stop the guy from trying. But I like that despite those things he has a heart to, he cares about people and what goes on around him and puts himself aside to do what's right.
The shows has some of the typical sitcomish situations in some episodes along with those GF and sometimes BFs of the week, which I'll admit is one bad thing about the show it's a bit of a fundamental problem most teen even sitcom shows have on characters hardly having any relationships mainly Jamal and Chris whom both never had a GF that stuck the long haul, the only ones that did are El Train and Cassidy whom I thought were a solid couple in the show, even Al and Dawn despite how long it lasted they had a good time. Though I can't complain about this that much and things like that happen in high school some have relationships that stick, and some don't.
However, when the show dove into real world issues which I felt is where the show was strongest, and helped remind us that despite this being a comedy show the character all still live in the same world we do. This intermix of both comedy and drama and it mixes and balances well because it knows when to be funny but also knows when the comedy hour is over.
There are plenty of good and memorable episodes that have these issues from "Jamal getting a Gun" which dealt in gun violence and trauma, "Ebony and Ivory" on racism, and an emotional episode where Miss Noble is in the hospital and Jamal is remembering his mother.
If you're into vintage teen sitcoms, like any major city this is one worth visiting.
Rating: 3 stars
Not bad, but not quite perfect
irehawk3 February 2017
I agree that this show is funny with jokes and humour, but there are several seriously critical reasons why this show isn't that perfect yet: 1.) This atmosphere setting is very bad.
2.) There's too much dreadful annihilation going on in this show along the way.
3.) This is more of a permanent annihilated dreadful urban type of TNBC sitcom is more of these types of other permanently annihilated urban sitcoms: Martin, Living Single, The Jamie Foxx Show and The Parkers.
4.) Actor Alex Morris, who plays Billy Stevenson as the new husband of Principal Karen Noble, should have been added as a permanent 8th member of this show's fifth season cast lineup because he's also funny and serious.
5.) The series finale of this show is still too permanently disorganized.
I'm glad this show is no longer on air because all these five actors and actress Marcella Lowry moved onto new better projects, while these two young pale actresses both ended up in soaps and got their acting careers terminated.
2.) There's too much dreadful annihilation going on in this show along the way.
3.) This is more of a permanent annihilated dreadful urban type of TNBC sitcom is more of these types of other permanently annihilated urban sitcoms: Martin, Living Single, The Jamie Foxx Show and The Parkers.
4.) Actor Alex Morris, who plays Billy Stevenson as the new husband of Principal Karen Noble, should have been added as a permanent 8th member of this show's fifth season cast lineup because he's also funny and serious.
5.) The series finale of this show is still too permanently disorganized.
I'm glad this show is no longer on air because all these five actors and actress Marcella Lowry moved onto new better projects, while these two young pale actresses both ended up in soaps and got their acting careers terminated.
This TV show should be on DVD
greengoblin5138 May 2006
I feel that this show should be on DVD, because for one each episode deals with realistic issues, such as racism, hiv, drugs, etc. If Peter Engel can have the original saved by the bell released along with the college years and the new class,this show along with "Hang Time" and "California Dreams" should be on DVD as well for having similar themed shows. I have went to tvshowsondvd.com and voted tried to get other people to vote for these shows by posting good comments about in the other start new topic section after the add another comment section. Maybe only in great numbers and certain liscening rights can this show and others like can be released on DVD by the seasons. Also, show like Beverly Hills 90210 and Melorse Place may never be released on DVD, because despite high demand, they lack the music liscening rights to help make that happen. So I hope that one day "City Guys" will be released on DVD.
An excellent show
smooth_op_8520 July 2006
Created in the mold of Saved By The Bell in an urban setting, City Guys really did a great job firming up their style and the characters were well defined from the pilot.
Chris, Jamal, Alberto, Dawn, Cassidy and L Train (recurring, then built up to a starring role) go to Manny High. Chris was just thrown out of his expensive private school and gets sent to Manny High. The first few episodes center on Jamal and Chris, and branches out to their interactions with the other students.
Karen Coretta Noble is a no nonsense Principal who has no time for foolishness and has a way with teaching all our cast how to navigate life through not only the sunshine, but the rain as well.
Hijinks reign supreme, and lots of lessons and tough love to go around. It's a great throwback to the 90's-00's (show ran from '97- '01) and a pretty nice feel good series as well
So, if you're in for a bit of nostalgia, or wanting to introduce your kiddos to a great show in the Saturday morning fashion, this is definitely one you should look at!
Chris, Jamal, Alberto, Dawn, Cassidy and L Train (recurring, then built up to a starring role) go to Manny High. Chris was just thrown out of his expensive private school and gets sent to Manny High. The first few episodes center on Jamal and Chris, and branches out to their interactions with the other students.
Karen Coretta Noble is a no nonsense Principal who has no time for foolishness and has a way with teaching all our cast how to navigate life through not only the sunshine, but the rain as well.
Hijinks reign supreme, and lots of lessons and tough love to go around. It's a great throwback to the 90's-00's (show ran from '97- '01) and a pretty nice feel good series as well
So, if you're in for a bit of nostalgia, or wanting to introduce your kiddos to a great show in the Saturday morning fashion, this is definitely one you should look at!
I remember this show
tampaaries7 March 2022
To be honest I never really watched this show when it originally came on but the few episodes I did watch were pretty funny, I remember this show came on Saturday morning. My main show to watch on Saturday morning was Saved by the Bell but every now and then I would watch this show. I remember the two main guys being very funny(the black guy and the white guy) the Philippine guy was funny too(Sorry I dont remember all the characters name) but I do remember Cassidy and she was drop dead gorgeous lol and the principal was great too. I think all the actors on this show were good actors and everybody vibed well with each other.
a funny show
ryhoyarbie18 June 2002
city guys is like an updated version of saved by the bell. its about 6 people who go through highschool and deals with problems highschool students go through such as drugs, sex, etc.
the first 5 or so episodes featured a lot of jamal and chris and them getting into problems, however, the other cast members started havong their own episodes.
one of the funniest characters, named L-train, made recurring appearances and finally was made a regular during the 1st season.
the last episode, which was shown in 2001, showed all 6 students leaving and going on to college.
the first 5 or so episodes featured a lot of jamal and chris and them getting into problems, however, the other cast members started havong their own episodes.
one of the funniest characters, named L-train, made recurring appearances and finally was made a regular during the 1st season.
the last episode, which was shown in 2001, showed all 6 students leaving and going on to college.
Hilarious show in the classic TNBC style!
earausch1 October 2000
Like many of my generation, I grew up with Zack, Kelly and the gang on "Saved By the Bell." However, after the disappointments of "SBTB: The College Years" and "SBTB: The New Class," as well as graduating from not just high school but college as well, I decided I might just be a little too old for TNBC. Then one day I tuned in to "City Guys" on the recommendation of a friend, and changed my mind altogether.
"City Guys" has all the best elements of a classic TNBC show. Filmed before a live studio audience, it features Jamal and Chris, the troublemaking, girl-chasing duo; L-Train (Lionel), the humorous dim bulb of the group; Cassidy, the pretty actress; the requisite couple (Alberto, the wisecracking schemer and Dawn, the honors student/activist), and Ms. Noble, the wise but fun principal who takes no guff. Hilarious hijinks ensue!
Seriously, "City Guys" covers the gamut from "very special episodes" (a student with a shaven head is accused of being a skinhead) to wacky plotlines (Jamal, L-Train and Al join Dawn's ballet troupe). It is safe to say that "City Guys" is why I drag myself out of bed at 11am on a Saturday morning.
"City Guys" has all the best elements of a classic TNBC show. Filmed before a live studio audience, it features Jamal and Chris, the troublemaking, girl-chasing duo; L-Train (Lionel), the humorous dim bulb of the group; Cassidy, the pretty actress; the requisite couple (Alberto, the wisecracking schemer and Dawn, the honors student/activist), and Ms. Noble, the wise but fun principal who takes no guff. Hilarious hijinks ensue!
Seriously, "City Guys" covers the gamut from "very special episodes" (a student with a shaven head is accused of being a skinhead) to wacky plotlines (Jamal, L-Train and Al join Dawn's ballet troupe). It is safe to say that "City Guys" is why I drag myself out of bed at 11am on a Saturday morning.
The best teen show ever!!!!
mena198321 December 2000
City Guys would have to be the best and coolist teen show I have ever seen. It is also the best programme I have seen all year in New Zealand. I feel the show is so underated and it doesnt get the credit it deserves. The show is so funny and entertaining, it also deals with everyday teen issues such as peer pressure and drug abuse.The show has a great cast Wesley Jonothan, Dion Basco, Caitlin Mowrey, Marissa Dyan and Scott Whyte.
I give this show a ten out of ten.
I give this show a ten out of ten.
A hilarious comedy in the classic TNBC style
earausch23 September 2000
Perhaps like many of you, I grew up with Zack, Kelly and the gang on "Saved By the Bell." However, following the disappointment of "SBTB: The College Years" and "SBTB: The New Class," as well as graduating from not just high school but college as well, I decided I might just be a little too old for TNBC. Then, following a recommendation from a friend, I turned on the TV one Saturday to "City Guys," and changed my mind altogether. "City Guys" has all the right ingredients for a perfect TNBC comedy: Chris and Jamal, the girl-chasing troublemakers, L-Train, the humorously "slow" one, Cassidy, the pretty actress, the requisite couple Al (the wisecracking schemer) and Dawn (the smart activist), and Ms. Noble, the wise but fun principal who takes no guff. Hilarious hijinks ensue!
Unlike... certain other shows we all know and love... "City Guys" does not resort to stereotypes about nerds and cheerleaders. The gang at Manhattan High "keeps it real" with "special" episodes (Dawn's mom battles alcoholism, L-Train learns he has dyslexia) as well as wacky plotlines (L-Train, Al and Jamal join the ballet club, Chris, Jamal and Cassidy compete to see whose diet strategy will help Ms. Noble lose the most weight in time for her high school reunion). What more could you ask for in Saturday morning entertainment?
Unlike... certain other shows we all know and love... "City Guys" does not resort to stereotypes about nerds and cheerleaders. The gang at Manhattan High "keeps it real" with "special" episodes (Dawn's mom battles alcoholism, L-Train learns he has dyslexia) as well as wacky plotlines (L-Train, Al and Jamal join the ballet club, Chris, Jamal and Cassidy compete to see whose diet strategy will help Ms. Noble lose the most weight in time for her high school reunion). What more could you ask for in Saturday morning entertainment?
Saved by the bell...good version
tahjhill21216 October 2002
Personally, I think that "Saved by the bell" sucked. Especially "The college years" and "the new class". But "City Guys" is way better and isn't as fake. The only problem with it is it never got as much play as "saved by the bell". In fact, I couldn't even watch it until AFTER it went off the air. That Sucks!
Good Cast Chemistry
jwrowe320 June 2002
PERSONAL NOTE: I used to watch this while I was working as a traffic reporter in Tampa Florida. This and the other shows that followed it, like "Just Deal" were better than watching infomercials....but not by much.....
Even though I'm waaaaaaaaaaaaaay past main demographic for this show, it's still something I look forward to on Saturday mornings. I have the NBC affiliate on in my office when this show airs, and happened to take notice of it a few years back, and got interested. I was actually a little sad when the last original episode where the cast graduated from "Manny High" aired!
'City Guys' is the story of a group of students attending high school in NYC.Fairly typical "T"NBC programming, and best described as a more mature "Saved By The Bell", or "California Dreams". The story lines are pretty much typical teenager fare, with the usual assortment of dating, family, love, and school issues included. Plus toss in a caring school principal, played by Marcella Lowery, for some added fun.
The best aspect of the show are the young actors, themselves, I think. They all seem to have a great chemistry, and are all likable, in general. Wesley Johnathan, and Scott Whyte, as does the rest of the cast, have plenty of potential. The interplay of 'Jamal', 'Chris', and 'El-Train' has it's moments. I hope that some smart casting director gives them the nod for some ensemble work in the future.
Here's a show that could go on to become a made for TV movie, easily.
Even though I'm waaaaaaaaaaaaaay past main demographic for this show, it's still something I look forward to on Saturday mornings. I have the NBC affiliate on in my office when this show airs, and happened to take notice of it a few years back, and got interested. I was actually a little sad when the last original episode where the cast graduated from "Manny High" aired!
'City Guys' is the story of a group of students attending high school in NYC.Fairly typical "T"NBC programming, and best described as a more mature "Saved By The Bell", or "California Dreams". The story lines are pretty much typical teenager fare, with the usual assortment of dating, family, love, and school issues included. Plus toss in a caring school principal, played by Marcella Lowery, for some added fun.
The best aspect of the show are the young actors, themselves, I think. They all seem to have a great chemistry, and are all likable, in general. Wesley Johnathan, and Scott Whyte, as does the rest of the cast, have plenty of potential. The interplay of 'Jamal', 'Chris', and 'El-Train' has it's moments. I hope that some smart casting director gives them the nod for some ensemble work in the future.
Here's a show that could go on to become a made for TV movie, easily.
underrated
denniskim1526 December 2001
i recently began watching this show, and much to my dismay, it concluded a few weeks ago. its a shame, because i feel that it never achieved the notoriety that its cousin "saved by the bell", did, probably because it seemed formulaic. but this show was, in my opinion, way better than its forerunner, the characters and issues were more diverse, and although the comedy was similar, it was delivered in a more funny manner. also, i personally felt that the show was uplifting for minorities, something i think is rare and much needed in television programming. i guess i'll just have to catch up with the show in syndication.
Typical TNBC outing
budikavlan25 July 2002
Neither the best nor the worst sitcom aimed at teens, this was one of several shows programmed after the success of "Saved by the Bell." The acting, as always in these shows, was execrable when compared to good prime-time programming, but a lot of that is deliberate. The actors are too busy mugging for the camera and encouraging whoops and catcalls from the hyperactive audience to worry about realistic performances. This one was set in an inner-city high school and featured a now cliched multicultural cast. The lame attempts at street cred and hipness were about 5 years behind the times, which means this was seriously cutting edge for network TV.
Roll With The City Guys
True_BackLash26 August 2003
This was a very cool show, almost like SBTB the second coming. Each character on the show had a special trait that made City Guys unique and awesome. Like all Peter Engel shows this one was constipated with morals and life lessons, and like SBTB it had a very, very strict prinipal figure, however, mix that with the main two characters (Chris and Jamal) and the great writing of the series and it is a very decent show.
This is the only show I watched on TNBC and I'm glad to have seen it. Take it from me folks City Guys is one great show.
This is the only show I watched on TNBC and I'm glad to have seen it. Take it from me folks City Guys is one great show.
Very cool show
DunnDeeDaGreat8 December 2001
I just got through watching the last episode of City Guys. I started watching this show when I was a sophmore in high school and now I'm a sophmore in colleage. The show had hot girls, humor and heart which is why I liked. I'll still wacth the show in reruns.
Hard to say
stephanotis32312 January 2002
I caught this at nine thirty in the morning one day saturday. I saw it again. It is not a popular show, and it reminds me of saved b the bell. Its all right. The theme song is very catchy. City Guys is a good show to watch, if there is nothing else good on.
This show is like me in so many ways
stonecoldfan231118 May 2002
this show is a lot like me it's funny, they talk like me, and they dress like me. I didn't start watching the City Guys till I saw it on the reruns on the WB like 3 months ago. well I'm glad I start watching I am glad this show had more then 100 episodes and I also like the song in the beginning.
It brings "HORRIBLE" to a whole new level
inkybastard18 February 2003
I would rank this rancid show on the same level as Full House. It should have never seen the light of day. It MAY have been almost bearable (in the same way being struck by lightening is almost bearable) if any single cast member could have acted their way out of a wet paper bag. If you have your choice between watching this monstrosity or driving a nail into your hand I would suggest you get your tetanus shot and hammer away.
one line summary
pancake_repairman24 December 2002
I only watched the first five minutes, I really couldn't stand any more than that. It's like Saved By The Bell or Hang Time, but noticeably worse. Every character and every event depicted is such a cliche, and it is so poorly written, that if you told me this program was actually written as a sixth grade class project I wouldn't find it difficult to believe. It is a real travesty that any tv network would produce such an unquestionably bad show. I honestly don't think I've ever seen a worse sitcom in my life.
Kinda Annoying
Rejoicen22 September 2002
The Show City Guys had it's momments, and sometimes was funny. I've watched many of the reruns, but I have to say, i found the fact that Ms. Nobel, the principle, only talking to the four main characters really annoying. Out of all the episodes I saw, she only ever talked to one girl who was not in the main four. I understand that the show revolved around the four, but they could have worked with that, like maybe she would turn from an extra, then talk to someone in the main cast. That never really happened though, making it completely unrealistic. It was like, her job revolved around helping four students for their four years. Realisticly the chances of ever even seeing the principle are not very good, and even if you get in trouble you would see the Dean or Vice Principle, not the main Principle. Also, the show didn't really have nothing new to offer it's audience. Atleast in this one the actors were only slightly older then actual High School Students, unlike shows like Popular who have 24 year olds playing 16 year olds.
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