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The Addams Family (Live Action TV Series)

(Rated TV-G, Comedy, Starring John Astin, Carolyn Jones, Jackie Coogan, Where to watch: Syndicated, DVD, Online)

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 6, age appropriate for kids over 8; suggested age 8.

  • Is it any good?

    4.0

  • Common Sense says

    Kooky, spooky classic is still fun for tweens.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 8 and Up

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    The Addamses are very committed to family, and Gomez and Morticia exhibit strong love for their kids. The adults are generous and the children are polite and respectful. Gender roles are presented in accordance with 1960s values, including putting men in the role of decision-makers.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence & scariness:

    Discussion of violent acts and, at times, sound effects of certain actions taking place (including machine gun fire), though they're not shown. The weapons seen are medieval (torture racks, axes, etc.) and fit into the show's overall theme -- they're not visibly used to cause harm or pain. Gomez amuses himself by blowing up model trains. The show's overall spookiness might scare the youngest viewers.

  • Sexy stuff:

    There's genuine affection between Gomez and Morticia, including kissing and hugging. Some very subtle sexual innuendo that will go over the heads of young viewers.

  • Language:

    Not an issue.

  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Gomez is constantly smoking cigars; Morticia sometimes smokes cigarettes (not at all unusual for the '60s). Occasional references to drinking.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About The Addams Family (Live Action TV Series)

Parents need to know that this classic sitcom centers on a creepy but oddly charming nuclear family that enjoys the morbid side of life. Despite their ghoulishness, the Addamses are good, generous people who love and respect one another, and parents Morticia and Gomez demonstrate a true commitment to their children. Parents also need to know that this series reflects attitudes and behavior that were acceptable when it originally aired in the 1960s, including smoking, references to gun violence, and traditional gender roles. While some images may be scary for small children, overall the show is a good choice for tweens.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about the different kinds of families. Kids, do you know any families that are nice even though they're very different from you and your parents? What makes them different? Do those differences affect what you think of them? What other people think of them? Families can also discuss how values change over the years. What things do you notice characters in the show doing that aren't typically acceptable now? Why do you think that changed? What else has changed between now and 40 years ago (on TV and in general)?
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Most Recent Reviews

  1. Teen Reviewer Age 15
    schuymarch1
    Lives in Iowa
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 5.0

    Very Good

    This is a very good show. I also like Munsters.

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
    Flag as inappropriate
  2. Adult Reviewer
    schiff
    Lives in Texas
    I rate this title on for age 13 and give it 4.0

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
    Flag as inappropriate

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