My Wife and Kids - TV-PG
TV Rating: TV-PG
Network: ABC Cast: Damon Wayans, Tisha Campbell, George Gore II
Genre: Comedy
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Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that this sitcom is based in contemporary upper-class suburbia and focuses on a "traditional" father in a non-traditional world. The parents are always making jokes about their sex life, and the father and son joke about owning porn. Some families will find the show funny, while others may find it offensive. Episodes often deal with heavy issues like teen pregnancy, drug use, and body image. The effect, however, is that of a show that doesn't take itself seriously.
Families can discuss the relationship between the kids and their parents. Is it over the top or realistic? The family members also tease each other a lot. You might want to ask your kids if casual violence is ever funny or appropriate, or if teasing or being teased by family members is OK.
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Joly Herman
Though it's a madcap comedy, MY WIFE AND KIDS' comic formula centers on the family's dynamic.
Mom Janet (Tisha Campbell) is the breadwinner and sets the bottom line, Dad Michael (Damon Wayans) is the caregiver and the loose screw, son Michael Jr. (George Gore II) is a dolt, elder daughter Claire (played by both Jazz Raycole and Jennifer Freeman) is a clumsy beauty, and youngest daughter Kady (Parker McKenna Posey) is smart and sassy.
Family members constantly gang up on each other before sharing advice and love at the end of the show. What happens in between is where the series goes awry. Serious issues like teen pregnancy, fear of acceptance, drug use, body image, and valuing a spouse's contribution to the household are mixed in with ridiculous behavior; slaps, threats, and anger are thrown around.
The issues themselves are often glossed over, and the fact that they're addressed at all shouldn't overshadow the reality that the adults might handle them poorly.
Janet and Michael admonish their kids' chaotic behavior at the same time that they exhibit very childish behavior themselves -- it might be difficult for tweens and young teens to understand what's meaningless banter and what's inappropriate behavior.
Parents might prefer that their kids check out The Shop or Degrassi: The Next Generation instead.
Rate It!
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Sexual ContentDad and son admit to owning "pornos" without remorse. Parents allude to sexual frolicking in almost every episode. A major storyline involves teen pregnancy. |
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ViolenceSlaps and hits and threats are common in the Kyle household. Not bloody, but questionable. |
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Language"Shut up" is the most commonly repeated phrase on the show. |
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Social BehaviorParents are not very responsible, arguing and ridiculing the kids. The kids often seem hurt by their banter. |
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Drug/Alcohol/TobaccoIssues about drugs are discussed and dealt with maturely. |
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