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The Jeffersons

(Rated TV-PG, Comedy, Starring Sherman Hemsley, Isabel Sanford, Marla Gibbs, Where to watch: TV Land, Syndicated, DVD)

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 7, age appropriate for kids over 13; suggested age 10.

  • Is it any good?

    3.0

  • Common Sense says

    Barrier-breaking sitcom mixes humor, stereotypes.

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 10–13

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    The show breaks social barriers, but it also features some strong negative ethnic stereotypes. George is stubborn, mean-spirited, and bigoted. There are clear class distinctions between the Jeffersons and their friends and family from the "old neighborhood" in Queens. Most of the cast is African-American; Tom and Harry are Caucasian. Harry is British.

  • Violence:

    George likes to yell at people (especially Louise), but he isn't violent.

  • Sex:

    Occasional adult hugging and kissing.

  • Language:

    Language includes words like "damn" and racial epithets like "honky" (generally played for laughs).

  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Occasional drinking and pipe and cigar smoking. References to getting drunk. George and his friends like going to local bars.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About The Jeffersons

Parents need to know that this classic '70s/'80s sitcom -- which follows an African-American couple who move to an upper-class Manhattan apartment in a primarily Caucasian neighborhood -- combines strong racial stereotypes with some positive representations of African Americans and interracial relationships. George Jefferson is stubborn, mean-spirited, and bigoted, and the show uses strong words like "damn" and racial epithets like "honky." The show is generally mild by today's standards, but George's inappropriate behavior and language may send iffy messages to younger viewers.

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Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about confrontational humor. How is it different from other kinds of humor? Does it rely on negative behavior to be funny? Families can also talk about how different racial/ethnic groups are represented on television now. How have things changed since this show first aired? Can you think of any groundbreaking TV moments from recent years that have challenged stereotypes? Why are some stereotypes from the past now considered unacceptable while others are still seen in today's media?
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Most Recent Reviews

  1. Teen Reviewer Age 17
    Jordan1
    Lives in Montana
    I rate this title iffy for age 2 and give it 5.0

    It Is My Favorite Tv Show

    I Love This Show,I Have All The Episodes. Also I Would Make it 11 Or 12 And Up.

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
    Flag as inappropriate
  2. Adult Reviewer
    kingme09
    Lives in Tennessee
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 4.0

    It was good

    This review...

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

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