Step by Step - TV-G
TV Rating: TV-G
Network: ABC Family Cast: Patrick Duffy, Suzanne Somers, Brandon Call
Genre: Comedy
Available on: 
DVD
Common Sense Note
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.
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?
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Emily Ashby
Taking a page from the 1970s classic The Brady Bunch, STEP BY STEP is the story of two parents and six kids who, with a little work, might somehow form a family.
When divorced construction worker Frank Lambert (Patrick Duffy of Dallas fame) and widowed beautician Carol Foster (Suzanne Somers of Three's Company) meet on vacation and impulsively marry, the ensuing blending of their families poses challenges for everyone.
Uptight Carol and her three kids -- Dana (Staci Keanan), Karen (Angela Watson), and Mark (Christopher Castle) -- couldn't be more unlike laid-back Frank and his brood: J.T. (Brandon Call), Alicia (aka "Al," played by Christine Lakin), and Brendan (Josh Byrne).
When the kids find out about their parents' spontaneous matrimony, they're not thrilled. Not only is there understandable tension in the new household -- and fresh rivalries among the new step-siblings -- there's also downright dislike, as in the case of Dana and J.T.
Carol and Frank mesh their parenting styles and keep cool heads as they handle both typical childrearing issues and the unique challenges presented by their new family. It takes time, patience, and constant doses of humor, but they manage to meld their families into a functional unit.
This family-friendly sitcom is a great choice for step-parents and step-children (or any family, really) to enjoy together. Originally broadcast as part of ABC's TGIF line-up in the early '90s, Step by Step now airs in syndication and is available on DVD.
Fans may want to check out Full House and (for slightly older kids) The Bernie Mac Show, both of which also celebrate a unique family structure.
Rate It!
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Sexual ContentAmong 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. |
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Language"Oh my God," "sex," etc. |
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Social BehaviorThe 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. |
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