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8 Simple Rules

(Rated TV-PG, Comedy, Starring John Ritter, Kaley Cuoco, Katey Sagal, Where to watch: ABC Family, Syndicated, DVD)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 10, age appropriate for kids over 13; suggested age 13.
  • Is it any good?

    4.0
  • Common Sense says

    Some sadness amid family sitcom's many smiles.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 13 and Up

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    Presents positive images of family, teens, and parental guidance. Bridget, Kerry, and Rory aren't perfect kids, but they're basically good ones who respect their parents. Bridget is presented as a ditzy blond; Kerry is a social activist. Coping with the death of a parent becomes a central theme in the second season; extended family becomes central to the healing process. C.J. often provides questionable advice to the kids, but he's never harmful and clearly loves them. Not much cast diversity to speak of.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence:

    No violence, but some sadness when a major character dies.
  • Sex:

    Occasional hugging and kissing. Some sexual innuendo that will go over the head of younger viewers. Discussions about dating (both teen and adult). C.J. makes references to "booty calls." Occasional references to homosexuality.
  • Language:

    Includes words like "damn" and "ass."
  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Not an issue.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About 8 Simple Rules

Parents need to know that despite a bit of iffy language ("damn," "ass") and some fairly light sexual innuendo, this sitcom offers a positive representation of family, teens, and parental guidance. The first season focuses on a father who becomes more involved with his teenagers' lives after his wife goes back to work; in later episodes, coping with the sudden death of a parent and living/coping with extended family become central themes of the show.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about how families cope with change. What happens when one parent goes back to work after being at home full-time? What changes when a family member, like a grandparent, moves in? How does a family survive the death of a parent? Families can also talk about how death can impact a TV show. How can a popular series reinvent itself after one of its main characters suddenly leaves the show? What other shows have been affected by that type of situation?

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Our Members Say

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Most Recent Reviews

  1. Teen Reviewer Age 16
    Lives in Virginia
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 5.0

    Fantastic Show

    8 simple rules is my favorite show although I have seen every episode and watch the reruns daily I never get tired of it. The humor is great and it's so entertaining. WATCH THIS SHOW!

  2. Teen Reviewer Age 14
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 4.0

    Good Show

    Eight simple rules is a good show, that's funny,entertaining and cute.

  3. Teen Reviewer Age 14
    Lives in Wisconsin
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 5.0

    cute show!

  4. Teen Reviewer Age 13
    Lives in California
    I rate this title iffy for age 2 and give it 5.0

    GREAT SHOW

    A great show! It is my personal favorite show at the moment, but since i have seen all the episodes, im starting to get into a show called Gilmore Girls. The sex is iffy, beacause in the second season kerry does it for her first time (shows nothing). Very few bad words. A great show for the whole family (over 11)!!!

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