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The Parkers

(Rated TV-PG, Comedy, Starring Mo'Nique, Countess Vaughn, Jenna von Oy, Where to watch: BET, Syndicated, Online)

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 14, age appropriate for kids over 99; suggested age 14.

  • Is it any good?

    3.0

  • Common Sense says

    Moesha spin-off is sassy and strong.

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 14–18

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    Nikki and Kim have a strong, supportive adult mother-daughter relationship that evolves into a friendship over time. Both attend junior college but are more interested in finding eligible men than in earning their degrees. Nikki engages in manipulative behavior in order to hook up with Professor Oglevee. Kim is academically challenged and is considered dumb by her friends. Both Nikki and Kim are strong and self-confident. The majority of the cast is African-American, but Stevie (as well as some secondary characters) are Caucasian. Both Nikki and Kim are full-figured women who have positive body images.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence:

    Occastional pushing and hitting. Nikki sometimes threatens Kim (and others), but no real violent behavior is exhibited.

  • Sex:

    Kissing and strong sexual innuendo. Occasional references to using "protection" when having sex. Nikki gets pregnant as a result of unprotected sex.

  • Language:

    "Hell," "damn," etc. Words like "booty," "tatas," and other slang are used to describe body parts and sexual activity.

  • Consumerism:

    SMC logos are visible.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Consumption of alcohol, including underage drinking, is occasionally visible. Characters occasionally get drunk and end up engaging in inappropriate and/or sexual behavior as a result.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About The Parkers

Parents need to know that this sitcom focuses on an adult mother-daughter relationship that evolves while both attend college at the same time. Both women are strong and self-confident, but they focus more on finding boyfriends and husbands than on their actual grades. Nikki often manipulates situations to get her way, especially with men. Parents also need to know that both women, who are full-figured, present very body-positive messages. That said, some of those messages come along with some strong sexual innuendo.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about what it's like going to college later in life. What are the advantages and disadvantages of going to school when you're older? Is it ever too late to get a college degree? Too early? Families can also discuss the relationship between television and body image. Why are there so few full-figured women on television who consider themselves attractive?
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