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Step by Step

(Rated TV-G, Comedy, Starring Patrick Duffy, Suzanne Somers, Brandon Call, Where to watch: ABC Family, DVD)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 5, age appropriate for kids over 7; suggested age 7.
  • Is it any good?

    4.0
  • Common Sense says

    Family steps up to the task of blending lives.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 7 and Up

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    The parents are patient, loving role models for the kids and handle the challenges of step-parenting with confidence born of their strong relationship with each other.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence & scariness:

    Not an issue.
  • Sexy stuff:

    Among the teens, there's talk of "picking up" guys/girls and which ones are the most attractive and, therefore, desirable. Kissing is shown occasionally, but it never goes further than that.
  • Language:

    "Oh my God," "sex," etc.
  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Not an issue.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Step by Step

Parents need to know that this show portrays a newly blended family of eight striving for cohesion. The first-time step-parents sometimes feel out of their league, but by being open-minded and willing to learn from their mistakes, they eventually strike a balance that works for everyone. Very little in the show will raise eyebrows, and the subject matter will resonate with many families.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about what (and who) should define a family. Parents and step-parents can also discuss the challenges of combining two families. How can new family members find ways to relate to each other? How do the characters improve their relationships and learn to respect each other? Does their situation seem realistic?

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Our Members Say

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Most Recent Reviews

  1. Teen Reviewer Age 15
    Lives in North Carolina
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 4.0

    Good show

    Great show....funny too....wow

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