That '70s Show - TV-14

Edgy sitcom keeps the '70s alive for older teens.

TV Rating: TV-14 Network: Fox Cast: Ashton Kutcher, Topher Grace, Mila Kunis Genre: Comedy
Available on: DVDDownload

Common Sense Note

Parents need to know that this sitcom is inappropriate for kids under 15 because of the frequent sexual innuendo and activity (implied, not shown) and drug use. Most of the teens are sexually active, and smoking pot in the basement is a regular occurrence.

Families can talk about the similarities and differences between these '70s teens and modern teens. How are their lives like yours? What's changed in the last few decades? Families can also discuss dating expectations, how it feels to be rejected by a girlfriend or boyfriend, and whether or not it's possible to be friends with someone after a break-up. The lighthearted portrayal of pot smoking might also warrant a conversation with kids that includes some reminders about the serious effects of drug use.

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Common Sense Review

Reviewed By: Joly Herman

THAT '70S SHOW appeals to parents and teens for different reasons. For older audiences, it's nostalgia for simpler times that prompts an affinity for the show -- there's something comforting about kids congregating in the basement, content to just to "hang out."

Kids, meanwhile, tune in for the attractive cast (including the very popular Ashton Kutcher) and relevant situations -- although they might find the '70s political references confusing and the fashions hilarious, they'll identify with the characters' struggles with dating and surviving high school, which are universal teen concerns.

Although the series has lots of sexual innuendo, it's done in a way that doesn't so much offend as allude to the free-love period of the 1970s. Whether or not this is appropriate viewing for teenagers is for parents to decide -- it might be a good idea to watch a few episodes first.

What makes this series so successful is its cast, all of whom seem comfortable with their stereotyped roles. In addition to Kutcher, who plays dim-bulb pretty boy Kelso, the core set of characters includes wisecracking Eric Forman (Topher Grace), straight-talking girl-next-door Donna (Laura Prepon), bossy flirt Jackie (Mila Kunis), eager foreign exchange student Fez (Wilmer Valderrama), cynical Hyde (Danny Masterson), and Eric's parents, Kitty (Debra Jo Rupp) and Red (Kurtwood Smith).

The actors benefit from the show's strong writing, which is sometimes subtly political, but more often light in content. The end result is an enjoyable trip back in time.

Fans of That '70s Show might also enjoy How I Met Your Mother and Friends.

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Content		CS	adults	kids
Content
Sexual Content The characters think and talk about sex a lot. Not much is shown, but much is alluded to. Donna and Eric have a lot of sex, and Kelso in particular is a very active teenage male.
Violence Slapstick at most.
Language Mr. Forman curses quite a bit, using words like "damn," "hell," and "sadistic son-of-a-bitch."
Message
	Social Behavior Other than the stereotyped exchange student Fez, characters of color apparently don't populate the 1970s Wisconsin suburbs, which may be accurate, but it's noticeable to the discerning eye. Female characters can be portrayed as objects or as vapid -- especially Kitty, the mom -- but they can also provide wisdom.
	Commercialism Characters emphasize the importance of cars, candy, clothes, and all things important to "typical" suburban teens. No noticeable product placement, unless Wisconsin cheese is considered a brand.
	Drug/Alcohol/Tobacco Mysterious smoke clouds appear in the basement, and it's clear that the kids are smoking pot. Dad Red drinks beer.