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Benson
(Rated TV-G, Comedy, Starring Robert Guillame, James Noble, Inga Swenson, Where to watch: TV Land, Syndicated)
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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 7, age appropriate for kids over 10; suggested age 10. -
Is it any good?
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Common Sense says
Classic '80s sitcom about political housekeeping.
Why We Rated This 
for Ages 10 and Up
The good stuff
What to watch out for
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Violence:
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Sex:
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Language:
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Consumerism:
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Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
What Parents Need to Know
About Benson
Parents need to know that this 1980s sitcom centers on Benson, an African-American butler who goes from being a household staff member to a political player. The show is funny and well written, but it also contains its share of sharp-witted banter that will likely go over the head of younger viewers. Parents also need to know that Benson's job (but, it's important to emphasize, not his behavior) is reminiscent of the 1930s Hollywood stereotype of African-American domestic servants.
Read our full review by Melissa Camacho
Families Can Talk About
- Families can talk about the different roles that African-Americans and other racial and ethnic groups have played throughout TV history. Does it seem like certain roles are typically played by people of the same racial and/or ethnic heritage? Are these representations the result of existing social stereotypes, or are there other reasons? Families can also talk about the home life of major political leaders. How different is it from a "regular" person's? What does it take to keep a governor or president's household running?
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