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Family Matters

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 6, age appropriate for kids over 8; suggested age 8.
  • Is it any good?

    4.0
  • Common Sense says

    Urkel and company still offer lots of family fun.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 8 and Up

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    In this loving family, character is more important than looks or style. Some needling among family members/siblings (and between Carl and Urkel, of course), but it's all mild and played for laughs.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence & scariness:

    The dad is a cop, so police work is discussed; also, a couple of episodes cover the dangers of guns.
  • Sexy stuff:

    Some smooching, innuendos too subtle for young kids, and teens talking about sexiness -- but the overall message is self respect and respect for others. Urkel has a long-standing, innocent crush on Laura; his alter-ego is much suaver with the ladies.
  • Language:

    Not an issue.
  • Consumerism:

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

    When substance use is mentioned, it's portrayed as "messed up" behavior.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Family Matters

Parents need to know that this series' message is to treat yourself and others with respect. Some episodes tackle racism, sexism, family dysfunction, school bullying, and gun violence, but these issues are never glorified; instead, characters find healthy ways to deal with the problems of modern life. As the kids on the series mature, so do plots about teen dating. Teens kiss and talk about sexiness, and two women characters comically "throw themselves" at men (who find it unattractive). But on the whole, this show is both fun and healthy.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about choosing friends based on character. Why do the Winslows keep opening their door to Urkel if he's so irritating? Why do they forgive him for the trouble he seems to cause? What makes Urkel so odd, and what is good about him? How is he actually similar to the Winslows? Also, when he has the chance to turn himself into ultra-cool Stefan, why should he do it -- or not do it? What would you do (or not do) for a friend or for the person you love?

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Our Members Say

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  • What did you think about Family Matters?
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See all 7 member reviews

Most Recent Reviews

  1. Kid Reviewer Age 10
    I rate this title on for age 9 and give it 4.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence
    • Inappropriate sexual content

    • My highlights are:
    • Educational
    • Positive messages
    • Good role models

    Awesom Tween Show!

    Great show for the whole faimly! We wach it every night i think its apropite for kids 10 and up (or around that age). Steve always talks about his crush on Laura, sometimes he will tslk about how "fine" she is. There is no language. Some times Waldo or Eddie will do somthing clumsy like get in a wreck or somthing careless like that. Thats about all there is. I would recomend it fotr the youngest age 7+.

  2. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Florida
    I rate this title on for age 8 and give it 5.0

    Message is clear

    Unlike most disney sitcoms, the message is clear , The show is very enjoyable. I Give a kindergardener excepetion on some episodes. Parental advisory given on some episodes like "The Gun" and "DUDES". Great show for families to watch together.

  3. Kid Reviewer Age 12
    Lives in Oregon
    I rate this title iffy for age 6 and give it 5.0

    The Funniest Show I've Ever Seen!

    I've been watching this show for quite some time, and I think it's time to review it. Anyways, this TV show is about a family (The Winslows) who constantly get annoyed by Steve Urkel, who was introduced on episode #4 (The Urkel Who Came to Dinner), and he's become the main character over time. Anyways, at episode #204 (Deck the Malls) several characters had their last appearance, including Telma Hopkins as Rachel, Estelle Winslow (also known as Mama Winslow. In a later episode, they plan to spread her ashes over Lake Michigan.) and Harriette (they change the actress who plays Harriette from Jo Marie Payton to Judyann Elder) Anyhow, Steve Urkel (Jaleel White) over the show has several alter egos, including O.G.D. (A separate person) Myrtle (Another separate person and gender altogether) Stefan (The same person from episode #104 (Dr Urkel and Mr cool) to episode #169 (Send in the Clones) where Stefan is made a permanent person) And, in order to save your brain cells from any more reading, I'll finally rate it Hilarious. Overall, 5/5.

  4. Teen Reviewer Age 14
    Lives in Michigan
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 0.0

    *rolls eyes*

    This show is flippin retarded

  5. Teen Reviewer Age 15
    Lives in Texas
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 4.0

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