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Seinfeld

(Rated TV-PG, Comedy, Starring Jason Alexander, Jerry Seinfeld, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Where to watch: TBS, Syndicated, DVD)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 13, age appropriate for kids over 99; suggested age 14.
  • Is it any good?

    5.0
  • Common Sense says

    Yadda, yadda, yadda -- a classic for teens and up.

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 14–18

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    The characters are purposefully drawn as selfish and often amoral in order to develop funny situations. Some Jewish stereotyping. No main or recurring characters of color.
  • Violence:

    Some slapstick pratfalls and physical violence -- nothing serious, and always played for laughs.
  • Sex:

    Lots of discussion about dating. Plenty of innuendo and funny discussion of sex (sometimes veiled, sometimes less-so). One episode centers on a birth control device; another on masturbation (though it's never referred to directly).
  • Language:

    Mild: "damn," "ass," "hell," "bitch." One episode revolves around trying to guess a woman's name that rhymes with a part of the female anatomy (possibilities include "Mulva" and "Dolores").
  • Consumerism:

    Some mention of specific brands, especially candy. Jerry uses an Apple computer and is a breakfast cereal fiend.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Occasional wine drinking in restaurant or party scenes. Cigarettes appear in some episodes, though usually for comic effect (Kramer smokes and drinks at the same time in one episode). Speculation about drug use, but none shown.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Seinfeld

Parents need to know that this famous sitcom, which has become a permanent part of the pop culture lexicon, purposely portrays characters who are selfish, amoral, and not always likeable. Lying, cheating, and gossiping are frequent plot elements. Episodes often center on a character's dating dilemma and include discussions of contraception, masturbation (though the word is never uttered), and personal habits. Teens and parents who enjoy cerebral humor will find much to celebrate in this series, though younger viewers may be bored or confused by the adult dynamics.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about the series' situations and characters. Are the situations realistic? What makes the characters appealing, even though they're often mean and selfish? What kind of judgments do the main characters make about the others in the show? What do these judgments say about the characters themselves? How does New York figure into the narrative?

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Our Members Say

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  • What did you think about Seinfeld?
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See all 26 member reviews

Most Recent Reviews

  1. Teen Reviewer Age 15
    I rate this title iffy for age 12 and give it 4.0

    Takes a special person to notice the ironic humor style.

  2. I rate this title iffy for age 10 and give it 2.0
    My concerns are:
    • Inappropriate sexual content
    • Inappropriate language
    • Drinking, smoking, or drug use

    This show isn't even that funny, you can watch kids shows and probably laugh a bit more. Everyone in my family agrees this show is overated.

  3. I rate this title iffy for age 11 and give it 5.0
    My concerns are:
    • Inappropriate sexual content

    Hilariously Dry Comedy Perfect For Anyone over Eleven

    This is one of the funniest shows ever produced, and Jerry Seinfeld is one of the funniest men alive. Violence is not a problem. There are a few sexual themes, but most are so euphemised that anyone under twelve won't be able to understand them. Some swearing, but nothing a PG movie wouldn't say. The role models are awful, but they're so amoral that most people wouldn't even dream of emulating these people.

  4. Kid Reviewer Age 10
    I rate this title off for age 17 and give it 1.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence
    • Inappropriate sexual content
    • Inappropriate language
    • Excessive consumerism
    • Drinking, smoking, or drug use
    • Negative message
    • Negative role models

    wurst show ever

    show stinks

  5. Teen Reviewer Age 13
    Lives in Arizona
    I rate this title iffy for age 8 and give it 5.0
    My concerns are:
    • Inappropriate sexual content
    • Inappropriate language

    Hilarious !!!!

    Great show . It's just sometimes episodes get carried away with sex and rarely language . Other than that it's fine!!

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