Family Guy - TV-14

Contrary to its title, this isn't a family show.

TV Rating: TV-14 Network: Fox, Syndicated Genre: Comedy
Available on: DVDDownload

Common Sense Note

Parents need to know that this series is very funny; the quirky, scenarios can induce giggles or even guffaws in grown-ups. But this show isn't meant to be watched by kids or young teens. Unpredictable is the name of the game in the town of Quahog, Rhode Island, where the Griffin family spends most of its time watching television and getting into trouble. The dog, Brian, and the infant, Stewie, are the most intelligent members of the family -- which might ring some bells in terms of inappropriate role modeling right away.

Families can talk about when politically correct attitudes are helpful and when they can be harmful. Peter Griffin's love of television above and beyond everything else could also be discussed -- is this the way anyone should look at the world? If tweens insist upon watching, be sure to take the time to watch it with them to get a sense of what's going on.

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Common Sense Review

Reviewed By: Joly Herman

A blend of slapstick and fantasy, Seth MacFarlane's FAMILY GUY -- resurrected for network broadcast after being cancelled and then becoming a huge hit on DVD -- is a television show within a television show.

Often, viewers see patriarch Peter Griffin (voiced by MacFarlane) having visions that look like flashes of TV shows -- almost like animated channel surfing. As a plot device, this can serve as a distraction, which ultimately disrupts what might be a storyline. On the other hand, the constant cross-references to musicals, literature, plays, and other TV shows might amuse some viewers. Of course, if viewers don't get the references, they might come across as offensive -- but then again, viewers might get offended anyway. Don't expect consistent content from this show.

Some of the characters are certainly unique in TV land -- Stewie the infant (MacFarlane again) spews vitriolic one-liners as he throws his bottle across the room. Brian the dog (yup, MacFarlane does his voice, too) is a sensitive, well-read fellow who enjoys his wine. Dad Peter, however, doesn't stand out strongly as a father figure, even if he is a parody of himself.

Some very lewd behavior means it might be wise for parents to preview a few episodes of Family Guy to see if it's appropriate viewing for the rest of the household. This wacky brand of fast-paced humor certainly isn't for everyone.

Family Guy fans might also enjoy The Simpsons and South Park.

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Content		CS	adults	kids
Content
Sexual Content Lots of sexual innuendo and references. Sometimes subtle, sometimes overt.
Violence The father owns a gun and produces it now and then.
Language Lewd references to body parts; general cussing. There's nothing PC about this show.
Message
	Social Behavior Erratic good deeds at best. Character assassination at worst.
	Commercialism
	Drug/Alcohol/Tobacco Beer and wine are consumed in each episode.