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The Bernie Mac Show

(Rated TV-PG, Comedy, Starring Bernie Mac, Kellita Smith, Camille Winbush, Where to watch: Fox, DVD, Online)

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 8, age appropriate for kids over 12; suggested age 12.

  • Is it any good?

    4.0

  • Common Sense says

    Cosby: The next generation?

Why We Rated This on for Ages 12 and Up

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    The main characters are black. The kids can be mischievous, but overall they're good role models who think for themselves.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence:

    Not an issue.

  • Sex:

    Sex-related issues arise as the kids mature. Episodes have involved teen Vanessa dressing provocatively (in Bernie's eyes) and wanting to date. Once 8-year-old Bryana accidentally saw Bernie naked.

  • Language:

    Occasional mild profanity.

  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Not an issue.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About The Bernie Mac Show

Parents need to know that Mac plays a gruff but loving father figure who, despite some claims to the contrary, is happy to share his home and his life with his sister's children. This series is funny and creative, and parents who enjoy Mac's brand of humor are likely to enjoy it as much as their children do. Episodes are dealing with more mature themes as the children age, but there's not a lot to worry about here.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about Mac's brusque approach to fatherhood. Are his reactions to the kids' behavior realistic? Does he ever over-react? The show also offers an opportunity to discuss non-traditional families. Do your kids know anyone in a similar situation to the show's McCullough family? How would they feel in Bernie's kids' place?
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Our Members Say

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Most Recent Reviews

  1. Kid Reviewer Age 11
    brandonneo6425
    Lives in New York
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 1.0

    have not seen it!

    I have not seen it but Bernie mac died!

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
    Flag as inappropriate
  2. Teen Reviewer Age 14
    king_of_queens77
    Lives in Texas
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 4.0

    A great show with good messages

    This is such a funny show, not so inapropriate, no violence either, but in a few episodes, there are Jesus-related jokes that are offensive.

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
    Flag as inappropriate
  3. Adult Reviewer
    webstats
    Lives in California
    I rate this title on for age 11 and give it 3.0

    This review...

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

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