Roseanne - TV-PG

Mature, blue-collar family sitcom; teens OK.

TV Rating: TV-PG Network: Nickelodeon, Oxygen, Syndicated Cast: John Goodman, Roseanne Barr, Sarah Chalke Genre: Comedy
Available on: DVDDownload

Common Sense Note

Parents need to know that this series is fraught with strong language, fiery arguments, and examples of poor lifestyle choices -- most of it coming from the parents. Although it's clear that family members love one another, theirs are not "warm fuzzy" relations. The dominant character, Roseanne, relies on sarcasm and belittling comments in relating to her husband and disciplining her kids. Both parents are obese and show no intention of altering their diet or activity to improve their health.

Families can talk about how the family is similar to or different from their own. Do the members of your family talk to each other like the Conners do? Has your family faced any of the issues that the series highlights? How have you handled them? Families also can discuss diet and exercise and why it's important to make good choices for your health.

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Common Sense Review

Reviewed By: Emily Ashby

As sitcoms go, ROSEANNE (which premiered in 1988 and is now available via syndication and on DVD) is an unusually realistic look at the family life of working-class Americans, bringing to light their challenges in balancing the demands of work and home.

The Conners of fictional Lanford, Illinois, are a typical blue-collar family of five living on a tight budget and struggling to keep their heads above water. Dan (John Goodman) works hard to provide for his family, and Roseanne (Roseanne Barr) chips in where she can, taking various minimum-wage jobs at factories and fast-food restaurants.

Meanwhile, their three kids -- Becky (Lecy Goranson/Sarah Chalke), Darlene (Sara Gilbert), and DJ (Michael Fishman) -- are growing up, and keeping pace with their changing needs is another full-time job. Roseanne's sister, Jackie (Laurie Metcalf), practically lives with the Conners as well, often requiring as much guidance as the kids.

Wise-cracking butt-insky Roseanne personifies "tough love." She domineers her kids and Dan, and she manipulates situations to get her way. Dan often finds himself left out of decisions that involve the household, which leads to heated arguments. But even though she'll never win parent of the year, it's clear that Roseanne's love for her family is her strongest motivation.

Roseanne's plotlines can be mature, tackling issues like sex, poverty, homosexuality, and unplanned pregnancy. Characters speak frankly about any and all subjects, and parents will want to preview a few episodes to determine whether their tweens or teens are ready for the subject matter.

Fans might also enjoy the family-related comedy brought to TV by Ray Romano in Everybody Loves Raymond.

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Content		CS	adults	kids
Content
Sexual Content Comments about a girl slipping her boyfriend the tongue, going on the pill, and having sex are part of typical household conversation.
Violence
Language Adults and teens alike use strong language like "bitch," "damn," "ass," and "suck." Moderately graphic talk about sexual issues are common.
Message
	Social Behavior The parents are a loving, hard-working couple trying to make ends meet and do the best they can for their kids, but their lifestyle and questionable parenting tactics don't make them great role models.
	Commercialism Brandless junk food (soda, chips, candy) is a staple in the household.
	Drug/Alcohol/Tobacco Adults often kick back with a beer (or six) after work or in social gatherings, but there's no underage drinking. Occasionally an adult character will smoke, but again, it's limited to the over-21 crowd.