Step by Step has very rare qualities. Part of the original TGIF lineup, it contains a bit of everything. The early seasons mix family friendly humor with good morals, making it a perfect show for all families. Later seasons the show descends into more crass humor, as if it was attempting to cash in on the success and demise of Married with Children. (Only not quite that bad) The morals remain, but it no longer becomes appropriate for the tweens and under crowd. It even adds adult eye candy in the form of Dallas veteran Patrick Duffy, and Three's Company veteran Suzanne Somers. All in all, a funny and well-meaning show. Just keep an eye on who is viewing it.
Step by Step
(Rated TV-G, Comedy, Starring Patrick Duffy, Suzanne Somers, Brandon Call, Where to watch: ABC Family, DVD)
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Is it age appropriate?
About our ratings -
Is it any good?
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Common Sense says
Family steps up to the task of blending lives.
Why We Rated This 
for Ages 7 and Up
The good stuff
What to watch out for
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Violence & scariness:
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Sexy stuff:
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Language:
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Consumerism:
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Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
What Parents Need to Know
This review of Step by Step was written by Emily Ashby
Parents need to know that this show portrays a newly blended family of eight striving for cohesion. The first-time step-parents sometimes feel out of their league, but by being open-minded and willing to learn from their mistakes, they eventually strike a balance that works for everyone. Very little in the show will raise eyebrows, and the subject matter will resonate with many families.
Families Can Talk About
Talk to your kids about the media in their life. We have more tools and tips that can help
- Families can talk about what (and who) should define a family. Parents and step-parents can also discuss the challenges of combining two families. How can new family members find ways to relate to each other? How do the characters improve their relationships and learn to respect each other? Does their situation seem realistic?
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More on Step by Step
What’s the Story?
Taking a page from the 1970s classic The Brady Bunch, STEP BY STEP is the story of two parents and six kids who, with a little work, might somehow form a family. When divorced construction worker Frank Lambert (Patrick Duffy of Dallas fame) and widowed beautician Carol Foster (Suzanne Somers of Three's Company) meet on vacation and impulsively marry, the ensuing blending of their families poses challenges for everyone. Uptight Carol and her three kids -- Dana (Staci Keanan), Karen (Angela Watson), and Mark (Christopher Castle) -- couldn't be more unlike laid-back Frank and his brood: J.T. (Brandon Call), Alicia (aka "Al," played by Christine Lakin), and Brendan (Josh Byrne). When the kids find out about their parents' spontaneous matrimony, they're not thrilled. Not only is there understandable tension in the new household -- and fresh rivalries among the new step-siblings -- there's also downright dislike, as in the case of Dana and J.T. Carol and Frank mesh their parenting styles and keep cool heads as they handle both typical childrearing issues and the unique challenges presented by their new family.
Is It Any Good?
This family-friendly sitcom is a great choice for step-parents and step-children (or any family, really) to enjoy together. Originally broadcast as part of ABC's TGIF line-up in the early '90s, Step by Step now airs in syndication and is available on DVD.
Our Members Say
See all 2 member reviews
Most Recent Reviews
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I rate this title iffy for age 10 and give it
- My concerns are:
- Inappropriate sexual content
- My highlights are:
- Educational
- Good role models
Humor, wit, positive messages, but not for younger children.
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I rate this title on for age 0 and give it
Good show
Great show....funny too....wow
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