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The Andy Griffith Show

(Rated TV-G, Comedy, Starring Don Knotts, Ron Howard, Andy Griffith, Where to watch: TV Land, DVD, Online)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 5, age appropriate for kids over 6; suggested age 6.
  • Is it any good?

    3.0
  • Common Sense says

    Cheery classic has positive, kid-friendly lessons.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 6 and Up

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    Positive representations of family, particularly single parenthood and father-son relationships. Sends a positive message about the strength of community and has good lessons about being kind and responsible and accepting consequences. Because Andy Taylor is a sheriff, there are references to crime and occasional arrests are made, but it's all very tame. Reflecting its original era, the cast is uniformly white.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence & scariness:

    Sheriff Taylor rarely wears a gun, but Deputy Fife likes pulling out his revolver (which is sometimes visible but never used). Fife carries around a bullet in his pocket.
  • Sexy stuff:

    Not an issue.
  • Language:

    Not an issue.
  • Consumerism:

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

    One of the secondary characters (Otis) is the town "drunk." But alcohol is never visible.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About The Andy Griffith Show

Parents need to know that although this classic '60s comedy series features simplistic storylines and dated humor, it also offers timeless lessons about responsibility, kindness, and the consequences of your behavior. It's a cheerful, squeaky clean -- and very idealized -- example of strong family and community relationships in a small town.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about what it's like to live in a small town. What are the advantages of living in a tight-knit community? Disadvantages? What do small towns offer that cities don't, and vice versa? Parents and kids can also talk about how families have been presented on television over the years. How has TV family life changed over the past 40+ years? What's the definition of family today? Do you think a single dad was a typical TV character during the '60s?

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Our Members Say

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Most Recent Reviews

  1. Teen Reviewer Age 13
    I rate this title on for age 10 and give it 5.0

    Almost every episode is safe for all ages.

    There's some episodes with suggestive and/or romantic content, but it's generally mild. 10+.

  2. Teen Reviewer Age 15
    Lives in New York
    I rate this title on for age 7 and give it 3.0

    Classic!

    I loved this show, but once Barney Fife left, the show went downhill fast!

  3. Kid Reviewer Age 9
    Lives in South Carolina
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 5.0

    one of the best shows ever

    i think all ages 2 to 200 would love this show

  4. Parent Reviewer
    Lives in California
    I rate this title on for age 5 and give it 5.0

    A great time! Entertaining but appropriate.

  5. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Louisiana
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 5.0

    Still one of the best shows ever !!

    I grew up in the late fifties and early sixties, and even though "The Andy Griffith Show" was winding down its run, I have enjoyed (to this day) the reruns. I look forward to the Memorial Day ALL DAY Marathon of classic Andy Griffith Episodes. I appreciate comedic talent, and I believe that great comics are able to utilize humor that is family friendy, and extremely funny. Andy Griffith was one of those shows that exempliphies classic, timeless humor.

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