Tools for this page
Print

Night Court

(Rated TV-PG, Comedy, Starring Harry Anderson, John Laroquette, Markie Post, Where to watch: TV Land, Syndicated, DVD)

  • 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 10, age appropriate for kids over 14; suggested age 12.

  • Is it any good?

    3.0

  • Common Sense says

    Silly courtroom antics from the 1980s.

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 12–14

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    The main characters are working for justice. One character is lecherous, but he's meant to be a buffoon. Racial diversity, though the judge and lawyers are all white.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence:

    Some comic violence, like gun threats with exaggerated reactions of fear.

  • Sex:

    Tons of sexual innuendo, including veiled references to S&M. Dan, in particular, can never resist the chance to hit on someone or make a suggestive comment. Prostitutes sometimes make an appearance.

  • Language:

    Occasional "hell." Also sexual language, like "semen," "bimbo," and "sex."

  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    References to wine and beer. One character is accidently drugged and behaves stupidly as a consequence. One character smokes a pipe.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Night Court

Parents need to know that this 1980s sitcom features a lecherous character whose primary motive is to have sex with attractive women. He hits on women constantly and frequently engages in sexual banter. Some episodes include people holding guns in a threatening manner, but it's always presented in slapstick fashion. Women dressed like prostitutes often play background roles. Some of the material addressed in the courtroom includes violence or societal ills, though such issues are always treated lightly.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about John Larroquette's character. What makes Dan appealing despite his icky personality? How would his behavior be handled in the real world? Do teens know any people like him? How do they interact with this type of person? Why are personality traits like Dan's exaggerated on television? Does it make them funnier?
Tools and tips that can help

Want more? Get Common Sense recommendations delivered to your inbox.

Our Members Say

Have you seen it? Review It!

  • What did you think about Night Court?

  •  I think this show is

    for ages

  •  I also give it

  •  Any concerns?

  •  Any highlights?

  •  Love it? Hate it?

  • or to post a review

More Great Stuff For Your Kids

  • Most Popular This Week

    New Moon Is Rising

    New Moon Is Rising

    Fans are gearing up for the 11/20 release.

  • Advice for Parents

    Are Your Kids Obsessed with Twilight & New Moon?

    Are Your Kids Obsessed with Twilight & New Moon?

    Discussion pointers for parents of "twilighters."

  • Must See TV

    Age 13+
    Glee

    Glee

    Edgy-but-quirky comedy's music, message will win teens over.

  • Issue Spotlight

    The 10 Most Violent Video Games (And 10 Alternatives)

    The 10 Most Violent Video Games (And 10 Alternatives)

    Our video game experts weigh in.

  • Game of the Week

    Age 8+
    LEGO Rock Band

    LEGO Rock Band

    Simplified, no-fail Rock Band with a whimsical story.

Give Us a Minute, Get a Lot of Common Sense!
  • Age-appropriate best bets for your kids
  • Weekly email alert with the latest picks, reviews & advice
  • Post your own reviews and share them with friends
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
A screen name protects your privacy
(It's free!)

Already a member? Log in
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.
To post a review or comment you must become a Common Sense Member. It's easy!
Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations.
A screen name protects your privacy
Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
(optional)
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child

Already a member? Log in
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.
We can make Common Sense just right for you. With a little info about you and your family, you'll get the most out of our site.
Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!
Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child
Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations
A screen name protects your privacy
Already a member? Log in
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.
Register to add this school to your profile. You'll be able to see and share reviews from parents, teachers, and kids at your child's school.
I'm already a Common Sense member.
Kids under 13 must use a screen name
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.