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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)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 12, age appropriate for kids over 15; suggested age 13.
  • Is it any good?

    3.0
  • Common Sense says

    Quirky, off-the-wall family humor; OK for teens.

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 13–15

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    A diverse show: Malcolm's best friend is black and wheelchair-bound, and older brother Francis married an American Indian woman. Behaviorally, the comedy involves outrageous trouble caused by the boys or their father. Their mother tries to promote good behavior, but often through yelling and manipulating.
  • Violence:

    Lots of goofy roughhousing, sometimes resulting in injury. The brothers sometimes fight with each other and throw punches.
  • Sex:

    Occasional sex-related subject matter. Implied nudity now and then. The parents have a fairly lustful relationship.
  • Language:

    Some expletives and crude language ("damn," "ass," etc.).
  • Consumerism:

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

    Not an issue.
 

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.

Did this review help you decide?

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?

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Our Members Say

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  • What did you think about Malcolm in the Middle?
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Most Recent Reviews

  1. I rate this title on for age 7 and give it 5.0

    good show

    this isnt bad...

  2. I rate this title on for age 4 and give it 5.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence
    • Inappropriate language
    • Negative role models

    • My highlights are:
    • Positive messages
    • 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!

  3. Kid Reviewer Age 11
    Lives in Tennessee
    I rate this title iffy for age 10 and give it 2.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence
    • Inappropriate sexual content
    • Negative message
    • 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

  4. Teen Reviewer Age 14
    I rate this title on for age 13 and give it 5.0
    My concerns are:
    • Inappropriate sexual content
    • Inappropriate language
    • Excessive consumerism
    • Drinking, smoking, or drug use
    • Negative message
    • 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.

  5. Kid Reviewer Age 11
    I rate this title on for age 11 and give it 4.0
    • My highlights are:
    • Positive messages

    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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