According to Jim - TV-PG

Predictable family comedy, but better than some.

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Common Sense rates it
3
Seen the show?
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details
  • TV Rating: TV-PG
  • Network: ABC
  • Cast: James Belushi, Kimberly Williams-Paisley, Courtney Thorne-Smith
  • Genre: Comedy
  • >Available On: DVD

Parents need to know

Parents need to know that this comedy is about as tame a family sitcom as one will find on television today. There are references to sex, but they tend to be in the comedic context of the main married couple. Most characters are white.

Families can talk about whether or not the family dynamic presented here is realistic. Are situation comedies supposed to mirror real-life situations or merely serve as an escape? They could also talk about why family comedies like this show are so predictable.

Message

Social Behavior:

While the mom chooses to be home with kids and the dad is the breadwinner, they play equals roles in raising their children through discussion and negotiation.

Consumerism:

Drugs/Alcohol/Tobacco:

Adults are seen drinking alcoholic beverages in the home, at restaurants and in bars.

Violence

Sex

Comedic references to sex in the context of a married couple.

Language

Some slang, such as description of breasts as "shakers."

Common Sense says

What's the story?

Reviewed by Pam Gelman

ACCORDING TO JIM puts a twist on the traditional family. She's a stay-at-home mom with their three precocious children, and he's the family's breadwinner -- but there's no question who's more modern. Cheryl (Courtney Thorne-Smith) is continually challenging Jim's (James Belushi) old-fashioned, traditional ways of doing just about everything. This may not be the first sitcom with this twist, but due to the great casting of Belushi as the construction business-owner dad and Thorne-Smith as the clever modern mom, it works. Don't expect According to Jim to tackle thought-provoking topics, but it's light, funny, and provides one show on television today that a family with teens can watch together without flinching.

Is it any good?

3

The supporting cast adds extra wackiness to the family dynamic. Cheryl's sister, Dana, played by Kimberly Williams-Paisley, is a high-strung Type A who is climbing the ladder in her career but will always throw in her two cents on what's going wrong in this family. Andy, Cheryl's brother, played by Larry Joe Campbell, is a partner in the design/building business and confidante in many of Jim's antics. Belushi and Campbell expertly use their physical comedic skills and timing to enhance their characters' boyish personalities and the show's slapstick, silly plot lines.

Despite Jim's antics and Cheryl's strong opinions, the bottom line is that their marriage is based on love and respect. This is a marriage that will last. If you're looking for a show to watch with adolescents that's relatively benign and at times gives you a chuckle, here it is. It's an opportunity to learn about a family made up of different personalities and ideas about life who live together, laugh together, get through the day together, and somehow or another make it through in one piece.

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Parents and kids say

All Reviews

There are 7 reviews.

4


Posted on 11/23/08 by caracas Adult contributor

i LAUGHED!!! it is a funny family show

This show is kind of funny, but sometimes it does have stuff children should not hear or watch.
3


Posted on 07/24/08 by no-no Adult contributor
5


Posted on 07/11/08 by mango.grl Kid contributor, age 13
0

Posted on 12/21/07 by Anonymous Kid contributor, age 15

I was really disappointed not just by this show, but by the CSM review of it. All the main characters are white. Yes, the review mentions this in passing, but then disregards it. It certainly doesn't challenge any gender roles- the "man of the house" and his decisions generallly over-rule his wife's. In short, while there may be nothing inherently offensive about it to a mainstream audience, Life According to Jim only reinforces traditionally sexist, borderline racist views. I also found it predictable and unentertaining. Not worth watching.
4


Posted on 08/16/06 by suitelife Kid contributor, age 12

Pretty good show

I watch it and think it is pretty funny.
3

Posted on 12/12/05 by Anonymous Adult contributor

Predictable, Which Is A Good Thing

The CSM review said the show was "predictable". In today's world of shock television, that's a good thing. According To Jim portrays a healthy family relationship and pokes fun at married life. While the show wouldn't interest younger viewers, you don't have to change the channel if they're in the room.
2

Posted on 12/01/05 by Anonymous Adult contributor

See all 7 reviews >

Adult Reviews

There are 4 reviews.

4


Posted on 11/23/08 by caracas Adult contributor

i LAUGHED!!! it is a funny family show

This show is kind of funny, but sometimes it does have stuff children should not hear or watch.
3


Posted on 07/24/08 by no-no Adult contributor
3

Posted on 12/12/05 by Anonymous Adult contributor

Predictable, Which Is A Good Thing

The CSM review said the show was "predictable". In today's world of shock television, that's a good thing. According To Jim portrays a healthy family relationship and pokes fun at married life. While the show wouldn't interest younger viewers, you don't have to change the channel if they're in the room.
2

Posted on 12/01/05 by Anonymous Adult contributor

Kids Reviews

There are 3 reviews.

5


Posted on 07/11/08 by mango.grl Kid contributor, age 13
0

Posted on 12/21/07 by Anonymous Kid contributor, age 15

I was really disappointed not just by this show, but by the CSM review of it. All the main characters are white. Yes, the review mentions this in passing, but then disregards it. It certainly doesn't challenge any gender roles- the "man of the house" and his decisions generallly over-rule his wife's. In short, while there may be nothing inherently offensive about it to a mainstream audience, Life According to Jim only reinforces traditionally sexist, borderline racist views. I also found it predictable and unentertaining. Not worth watching.
4


Posted on 08/16/06 by suitelife Kid contributor, age 12

Pretty good show

I watch it and think it is pretty funny.
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