Tools for this page
Print

According to Jim

(Rated TV-PG, Comedy, Starring James Belushi, Kimberly Williams-Paisley, Courtney Thorne-Smith, Where to watch: ABC, DVD)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

    (Flash is loading. If this text does not disappear you need to install the latest flash version)

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

    3.0
  • Common Sense says

    Predictable family comedy, but better than some.

updated 07.04.08

Why We Rated This on for Ages 13 and Up

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    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.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence:

    Not an issue.
  • Sex:

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

    Some slang, such as description of breasts as "shakers."
  • Consumerism:

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

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

What Parents Need to Know

About According to Jim

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.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • 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.
Want more? Get Common Sense recommendations delivered to your inbox.
Enter your email address
I am over 13 years old
Tell us your child's age
Why we ask
Why we ask
Providing your kids' age allows us to give you personalized recommendations for your family on our site and in our weekly newsletter (coming soon) - so you get better information, faster.Your privacy is our priority.

You are now subscribed to the Common Sense weekly newsletter!

To write reviews and create a public profile, complete your account set-up here.

Our Members Say

Have You Seen It? Review It!

  • What did you think about According to Jim?
  •  I think this show is

    for ages

  •  I also give it

  •  Any concerns?

  •  Any highlights?

  •  Love it? Hate it?

  • or to post a review
See all 10 member reviews

Most Recent Reviews

  1. Teen Reviewer
    Age 13
    Lives in Ohio
    I rate this title iffy for age 12 and give it 5.0

    I LOVE THIS SHOW!!!!!!!!!!

    this is my favorite show and is one show that the whole family enjoys to watch and is definitely entertaining

  2. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Texas
    I rate this title on for age 13 and give it 3.0

    Funny, but inconsistent

    I enjoy watching "According to Jim", but this show is inconsistent with content appropriate for family viewing. Some episodes are clean enough to give the impression that this show is family-friendly, while others (like the ABC finale "Cabin Boys") are iffy enough to make this show look like the next "Married with Children". If you plan on letting little ones watch "Jim", I would definitely preview the episode before letting them watch. If you're a "Jim" fan, look out for the remaining episodes of season 8 in syndication.

  3. Parent Reviewer
    Lives in Kansas
    Kids ages: 3, 3
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 1.0

    this sho

  4. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Texas
    I rate this title iffy for age 11 and give it 4.0

    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.

  5. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in
    I rate this title iffy for age 17 and give it 3.0

Find TV reviews by title

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z 0-9

More Great Stuff For Your Kids

  • Site of the Week

    KidZui

    KidZui

    Kids' browser features prescreened, safe sites.

  • Issue Spotlight

    Cheating Via Chat?

    Cheating Via Chat?

    Is it OK for kids to do homework on Facebook?

  • Tech Tip

    What parents need to know. All About Avatars

    What parents need to know.

  • Pick of the Week

    Swing, Batter Batter

    Swing, Batter Batter

    Best baseball games for kids.

  • Download This

    European Playground

    European Playground

    Give kids a taste of Europe's languages and rhythms.