The Addams Family (Live Action TV Series) - TV-G

Kooky, spooky classic is still fun for tweens.

TV Rating: TV-G Network: Syndicated Cast: John Astin, Carolyn Jones, Jackie Coogan Genre: Comedy
Available on: DVDDownload

Common Sense Note

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.

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)?

Rate It!

Common Sense Review

Reviewed By: Melissa Camacho

Based on the ghoulish characters first created by New Yorker magazine cartoonist Charles Addams, THE ADDAMS FAMILY is a classic 1960s TV sitcom that follows the Addamses, a tight-knit family whose idea of normal is all that's dark, bizarre, and grotesque.

As chilling as that description might make them sound, the Addamses are actually fun-loving people who enjoy both life (and death) with their ghastly circle of family and friends. Heading up the family is playful, romantic Gomez (John Astin), a lawyer who enjoys cigars and blowing up model trains. He adores his beloved wife, Morticia (Carolyn Jones), whose pastimes are knitting and taking care of man-eating plants. Both parents delight in their children, morbid son Pugsley (Ken Weatherwax) and somber Wednesday (Lisa Loring). Rounding out the family are demented Uncle Fester (Jackie Coogan), hag-like Grandmama (Blossom Park), and loyal, Frankenstein-like butler Lurch (Ted Cassidy).

The show's funny plot twists are often a result of misunderstandings between the kooky Addamses and those who aren't familiar with their freaky world. Part of the problem is that the Addamses don't fully realize that other people find them spooky -- they're often befuddled when visitors leave their gloomy mansion running and screaming (especially after meeting Lurch or Thing, a hair-raising, free-standing hand that's part pet and part servant).

The Addams Family, which, at its foundation, is a macabre satire of the traditional American nuclear family, isn't so much scary as it is quirky, especially by today's standards. The characters are likeable and generous, and their behavior, albeit weird, isn't intended to cause harm. While some of the images may be a little strong for young children, the show is fine for tweens. (Just be sure to fill them in on why Gomez and Morticia smoke all the time without garnering a peep of protest from friends or family members. ...)

The Addams Family has been re-imagined several times since the original debuted on ABC in 1964 (an animated version aired in the '90s). The classic series runs in syndication and is available on DVD. Fans may also like fellow classic TV series The Munsters (available on DVD), the big-screen Addams Family movie and its sequel, or current shows like Growing Up Creepie.

Rate It!

Content		CS	adults	kids
Content
Sexual Content 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.
Violence 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.
Language
Message
	Social Behavior 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.
	Commercialism
	Drug/Alcohol/Tobacco Gomez is constantly smoking cigars; Morticia sometimes smokes cigarettes (not at all unusual for the '60s). Occasional references to drinking.