The Partridge Family - TV-G
TV Rating: TV-G
Network: Syndicated Cast: Danny Bonaduce, David Cassidy, Susan Dey
Genre: Comedy
Available on: 
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Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that this classic sitcom revolves around a widowed mother left to raise her five kids alone. A harmless storyline, sure, but one that some very young viewers may need explained. Other than that, there's nothing objectionable here unless you have a visceral reaction to bell bottoms.
Families can talk about what it's like to be a child performer. The stars of the show were children playing child stars. How is the show's depiction of life on the road real? How do you think things have changed for kids in the music business and in Hollywood in the decades since the show first aired? Would you want a life like the Partridges'?
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Lucy Maher
One of the 1970s' most iconic sitcoms, THE PARTRIDGE FAMILY revolves around a family of five kids and their mother who travel the country as an up-and-coming musical act.
After recording a pop song in their garage, the Partridge kids -- Keith (David Cassidy), Danny (Danny Bonaduce), Laurie (Susan Dey), Tracy (Suzanne Crough), and Chris (Brian Forster) -- end up with a smash single on their hands, so they hit the road in a colorful school bus, playing gig after gig. Of course, along the way the kids experience growing pains (both on- and off-stage) that force them to rely on one another and their mom, Shirley (Shirley Jones).
For example, in one episode, math whiz Danny helps a much older woman learn how to play the stock market. When her beau finds out, his goons threaten Danny, who reacts by disappearing in an attempt to save his family from revenge.
It's only after Shirley explains that he's not in trouble -- and that, in the future, rather than run away, he should come to her when he's scared -- that things are sorted out. It's not exactly earth-shattering stuff (and it wasn't even in the '70s), but it's still got a wholesome, innocent appeal.
The Partridge Family is definitely a family-friendly show, and adults will remember tuning in as kids. That said, some young viewers used to today's action-packed TV lineup may turn it off in favor of something a little more scintillating.
Fans might also like The Brady Bunch or High School Musical.
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