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The Simpsons

(Rated TV-14, Comedy, Starring Hank Azaria, Nancy Cartwright, Dan Castellaneta, Julie Kavner, Where to watch: Fox, DVD, Online)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 11, age appropriate for kids over 15; suggested age 12.
  • Is it any good?

    4.0
  • Common Sense says

    Clever, fast-paced cartoon meant for adults.

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 12–15

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    Really inappropriate role model behavior, but that's the joke. Marge and Lisa are fairly reliable in their do-good natures, but they too have their weaknesses.
  • Violence:

    Slapstick and cartoon violence -- car crashes, explosions, practical jokes, bullies beating up weaker kids.
  • Sex:

    Unpredictable. Sexual humor is pretty constant. Subtle and not-so-subtle sexual references pop up. Women can be dressed like vamps.
  • Language:

    Bart is usually the main offender. Grandpa Simpson is a dirty dog as well.
  • Consumerism:

    Duff's Beer signs in the bars; other parodies of commercial references appear often. It's all in fun, but it's there. Donut consumption is rampant.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Homer drinks beer to excess. Characters are shown getting pass-out drunk. Bus driver Otto is a total burn-out.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About The Simpsons

Parents need to know that the jokes in this long-running favorite often zip past so quickly that kids won't get the deeper statements that lie therein. Life in Springfield can be chaotic, and Homer could very well be the "do not try this at home" poster boy. Beer is consumed in every episode, bad habits are obliged, and ignorance and mockery are the norm, but somehow, everyone gets along in the end.

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Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about how different cartoon life and reality are. What does responsibility mean? Would Homer and Bart get away with their antics in the real world? How are women portrayed? How do the Simpsons show each other their true feelings? When all is said and done, are they a happy family or a contentious one?

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Our Members Say

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See all 251 member reviews

Most Recent Reviews

  1. Parent Reviewer
    Lives in South Carolina
    I rate this title on for age 12 and give it 5.0

  2. I rate this title on for age 15 and give it 5.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence
    • Inappropriate sexual content
    • Inappropriate language
    • Excessive consumerism
    • Drinking, smoking, or drug use
    • Negative message
    • Negative role models

    15+

    I love it! It's just one of those shows you can't miss and you'll put your kids to bed early to watch!

  3. Kid Reviewer Age 11
    I rate this title iffy for age 9 and give it 4.0
    My concerns are:
    • Inappropriate sexual content
    • Inappropriate language
    • Excessive consumerism
    • Drinking, smoking, or drug use

    Funny show with sex, language, and drugs.

    I love The Simpsons because it is a really funny cartoon. However, it is really meant for adults. I am a very mature boy so I get some of the jokes, but there are some bad things in there. Homer and Marge sometimes have sex. There is some mild language in there. (Bloody, crap.) Also, Homer and other characters get drunk. Often, commercial messages like FOX come up. Once, there was SEGA and Nintendo. Mainly, it's other American TV companys. NBC, CBS, ABC and FOX are the main product placements. Overall, it is a pretty funny show, but I don't recommend it for tweens. Secondary (middle) and high school students my get some jokes, as well as adults.

  4. I rate this title on for age 10 and give it 5.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence
    • Inappropriate sexual content
    • Inappropriate language
    • Excessive consumerism
    • Drinking, smoking, or drug use
    • Negative message
    • Negative role models

    Off 7- Iffy 8-9 On 10+

    The Simpsons really isn't as bad as parents think it is! I watch it really alot & it's actually sort of tame, not paying attention to background inappropriate content. Moderate language & alchohol references. Show is awesome!

  5. Kid Reviewer Age 12
    Lives in Wyoming
    I rate this title off for age 12 and give it 2.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence
    • Inappropriate sexual content
    • Inappropriate language
    • Excessive consumerism
    • Drinking, smoking, or drug use
    • Negative message
    • Negative role models

    No good

    Hate it................. But there is worse

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