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Malcolm in the Middle
(Rated TV-PG, Comedy, Starring Frankie Muniz, Jane Kaczmarek, Bryan Cranston, Where to watch: Fox, DVD, Online)
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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 12, age appropriate for kids over 15; suggested age 13. -
Is it any good?
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Common Sense says
Quirky, off-the-wall family humor; OK for teens.
Why We Rated This 
for Ages 13–15
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 Malcolm in the Middle
Parents need to know that this comedy series pushes the envelope on irreverence, and the humor can be crude or risqué. At the same time, Malcolm is an intelligent main character, facing many of the challenges of growing up and fitting in that your own kids may face. The show puts family dysfunction and sibling rivalry in the spotlight.
Read our full review by Betsy Wallace
Families Can Talk About
- Families can talk about the unusual ways in which Malcolm's family expresses their love for each other. Does that hold true in your family? Are Lois' reactions and disciplinary tactics realistic? How does exaggeration make something funny?
Our Members Say
See all 50 member reviews
Most Recent Reviews
- I rate this title on for age 7 and give it
good show
- I rate this title on for age 4 and give itMy concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- Inappropriate language
- Negative role models
- My highlights are:
- Good role models
A show I grew up with... Funny and Entertaining
A typical show about a typical family which is hillarious. I love this show. I grew up watching Malcolm in the Middle and I watch it now every evening. It's a show that pushes boundaries rarely in my opinion. In case you're wondering, the violence is (comical) fighting between brothers, never getting more than a hit and falling down wrestling, which are boys, you see it every day! The language is "ass", "hell", and some other OCASSIONAL words that are almost never said, and the bad role model is Lois because she is bad for the comedy in it. She isn't THAT bad, but somebody that you may find iffy. The highlights are good messages about growing up because they are growing up and they learn a few values and lessons in the process. Also, good role models are people who make mistakes and mistakes are made, but forgiven, and realized that they are mistakes. Mistakes are also healed. Malcolm is a good role model for "middle children", and he helps them cope with the tough role. Overall, a hillarious comedy that I've always watched and you should, too!
- I rate this title iffy for age 10 and give itMy concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- Inappropriate sexual content
- Negative role models
pretty bad show
I think malcome in the middle is a pretty bad and stupid show i don't think anyone should watch it
- I rate this title on for age 13 and give itMy concerns are:
- Inappropriate sexual content
- Inappropriate language
- Excessive consumerism
- Drinking, smoking, or drug use
- Negative role models
Love The Humor
This TV show is hysterical. The bad things are what make it so funny. I love this show and I try to watch it whenever I can.
- I rate this title on for age 11 and give it
- My highlights are:
Not good for little kids but ok for tweens and older
I think it always has a lesson to learn at the end of each episode. I love it!!!
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Ratings at a Glance
| 80% | of parents don't feel there are good role models |
| 80% | of parents don't think the messages are positive |
| 80% | of parents say it has language their kids can't use |
| 80% | of parents say the sexual behavior isn't age appropriate |
| 60% | of parents say it's too violent |
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