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Accidentally on Purpose

(Rated TV-PG, Comedy, Starring Jon Foster, Jenna Elfman, Grant Show, Where to watch: CBS)

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 13, age appropriate for kids over 17; suggested age 14.

  • Is it any good?

    3.0

  • Common Sense says

    Sitcom's premise hangs on consequences of casual sex.

Themes in this show include:   dating/crushes

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 14–17

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    Although the show's premise is based on casual sex, overall it's about making the best of a tricky situation and stepping up to responsibility.

  • Role models:

    The main characters make serious mistakes, but at heart they're good people who try to do the right thing. Some secondary characters are less than exemplary.

  • Violence:

    Not an issue.

  • Sex:

    The show's premise is based on the main character getting involved in a one-night stand that leads to pregnancy, but nothing too graphic shown. You can expect lots of innuendo, sexual banter, and jokes about everything from body parts to masturbation.

  • Language:

    Some sexually charged terms like "robot porn," "nipples," and "hooker."

  • Consumerism:

    Some casual references to brand names, like Skittles.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Characters occasionally drink to the point of cloudy judgment. A secondary character is assumed to smoke marijuana, though he isn't shown doing it.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Accidentally on Purpose

Parents need to know that casual sex is the catalyst that jump-starts this sitcom about an unmarried female character in her 30s who gets pregnant and admits that, on more than one occasion, she didn't use protection. The show's jokes are heavy on sexual innuendo and body part humor, but language is mostly curse-free (although you will hear words like "hooker," "porn," etc.). There's also some social drinking. and a secondary character uses marijuana (off screen). The main role models are flawed but generally positive as they try to step up and act responsibly.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about the real-life consequences of casual sex  -- including pregnancy, parenthood, and a complete change of lifestyle. Are there different complications when it comes to teen pregnancy? Why do some movies and TV shows portray unplanned pregnancies as funny?
  • What do you make of Billie's choices? What do you think about Zack's commitment to be a part of the baby's life? Are either of them ready for parenthood? What makes someone a good parent?
  • Who's the show's target audience? How can you tell?
Tools and tips that can help

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