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Mama's Family

(Rated TV-PG, Comedy, Starring Vicki Lawrence, Dorothy Lyman, Ken Berry, Where to watch: TBS, ION, Syndicated, DVD)

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 8, age appropriate for kids over 12; suggested age 12.

  • Is it any good?

    3.0

  • Common Sense says

    Mama's in charge of this comedy. Older tweens OK.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 12 and Up

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    The show highlights the importance of family and the need to support family members in need. The show also presents a woman as the strength behind the family and as the authority figure. References to extramarital romance are occasionally made but are treated as negative behavior. Mama has a tendency to belittle her family members (even though she clearly cares about them).
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence:

    Not an issue.

  • Sex:

    Flirtation, some spoken innuendo, and mild references to sexual behavior. Naomi sometimes uses her feminine wiles to get her way.

  • Language:

    Characters frequently toss sharp insults at each other, but they don't swear.

  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Occasional references to alcohol, including beer and homemade alcoholic beverages.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Mama's Family

Parents need to know that this series highlights the importance of family and supporting family members, despite the their eccentricities. Thelma Harper is a strong, caring woman, but she continually offers sarcastic insults to those who displease her (which may be funny but isn't the best example). Parents also need to know that the show sometimes tackles adult situations, including extramarital love interests (often prompted by Iola's constant flirtations with Vinton).

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about the role extended family plays in their lives. What kind of support does extended family offer? What kinds of things can you do to support family members? What limits, if any, should you establish when helping them? Families can also discuss the importance of respecting elders and the unique challenges that come with dealing with aging family members. Last but not least, families can talk about how the Harpers interact with each other. Does Thelma love her family or despise them? How can you tell?
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