The Simpsons - TV-14

Clever, fast-paced cartoon meant for adults.

TV Rating: TV-14 Network: Fox Cast: Hank Azaria, Nancy Cartwright, Dan Castellaneta, Julie Kavner Genre: Comedy
Available on: DVDDownload

Common Sense Note

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 drunk in every episode, bad habits are given into, and ignorance and mockery are the norm, but somehow, everyone gets along in the end.

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? (See below for more great discussion topics.)

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Common Sense Review

Reviewed By: Joly Herman

Family life for the Simpsons is a chaotic blend of cheeky outbursts and consequent mending, as Homer and Bart -- unwittingly or not -- undermine Marge and Lisa's good intentions. Bart finds joy in being a constant source of trouble. And no wonder: His father is irreverence incarnate! Homer earns his keep by falling asleep at the controls of Springfield's nuclear plant. He drinks beer after work at Moe's with a variety of fellow barflies who make the cast of Cheers look tame. But within this dynamic are heartfelt scenes and clever plot lines that make the show the classic it has become.

The Simpsons presents multiple opportunities for thoughtful discussion. For example: Is Homers sloppy behavior a result of his ignorance, or is he willfully disobedient? Does Bart have to answer to anyone, or is he entitled to be so irreverent? What does parody mean, and how can it be helpful or harmful? How must Marge feel to be so frustrated every day?

On the other hand, The Simpsons isn't meant to be taken seriously. It is a rollicking ride through a fantasy society, and it satirizes very human traits. Audiences will find this to be a treat during troubled times. How else can the success of something so inane yet so clever be justified?

Ultimately, The Simpsons' scripts are often terribly clever, and the cast portrays the characters with a sense of wit and care that has catapulted the series into TV legend. Just keep in mind that the show is not for everyone -- if you're easily offended, you might want to avoid the Springfield gang.

Simpsons fans may also like creator Matt Groening's other series, Futurama, as well as the even more outrageous Family Guy.

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Content		CS	adults	kids
Content
Sexual Content Unpredictable. Sexual humor is pretty constant. Subtle and not-so-subtle sexual references pop up. Women can be dressed like vamps.
Violence Slapstick and cartoon violence -- car crashes, explosions, practical jokes, bullies beating up weaker kids.
Language Bart is usually the main offender. Grandpa Simpson is a dirty dog as well.
Message
	Social Behavior 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.
	Commercialism 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.
	Drug/Alcohol/Tobacco Homer drinks beer to excess. Characters are shown getting pass-out drunk. Bus driver Otto is a total burn-out.