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The Munsters

(Rated TV-G, Comedy, Starring Fred Gwynne, Yvonne De Carlo, Al Lewis, Where to watch: TV Land, Syndicated, DVD)
  • 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

    Tame '60s monster comedy is all about family.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 8 and Up

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    The Munsters are loving and respectful of one another. Grandpa occasionally tries to get something by being dishonest, but he's usually stopped by Herman or Lily. Traditional gender values are on display (not unexpected, given the show's '60s origins).
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence & scariness:

    Vague jokes about blood. Occasional encounters with bank robbers or other criminals. Rare episodes show a gun, but no one is ever seriously hurt.
  • Sexy stuff:

    Affection between Herman and Lily, who are married. Some episodes include romantic kissing. Marilyn sometimes dates or is pursued by men. It's all handled very chastely.
  • Language:

    Not an issue.
  • Consumerism:

    Several episodes involve money-making schemes.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Occasional episodes involve sleeping pills or potions that act in a drug-like manner.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About The Munsters

Parents need to know that this 1960s family sitcom features characters resembling those from classic horror stories like Frankenstein and Dracula. But despite the characters' unusual appearance, they're a pleasant, loving family. Occasional jokey references to blood, graves, or Mr. Munster's work at a funeral home is about as scary as the show gets -- though people often express fear when they meet the family, and many beat a hasty retreat. Herman and Lily show affection toward each other, and some episodes include romantic kisses.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about the different kinds of families. Kids: Do you know any families that are nice even though they're very different from you and your parents? What makes them different? Do those differences affect what you think of them? What other people think of them? How are the Munsters similar to and different from your family? What fictional characters would play your family members, and why? Families can also discuss how values change over the years. What things do you notice characters in the show doing that aren't typically acceptable now? Why do you think that changed? What else has changed between now and 40 years ago (on TV and in general)?

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Our Members Say

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Most Recent Reviews

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

    The inly thing I'll watch thats black and white

    Vary funny and the only thing wrong is that theres no color lol.

  2. Teen Reviewer Age 14
    Lives in California
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 4.0

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