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The Addams Family (Animated TV Series) (Boomerang)

common sense media says

Animated ghouls will tickle your funny bone.

parents & educators say
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What parents need to know

Parents need to know that the content in this animated incarnation of the famous ghoulish family is a bit of a mixed bag. The characters teach viewers not to fear or mock people who are different than they are -- but, on the other hand, their actions (and their house itself) can be scary and gruesome.

Positive messages: For all their weirdness and atypical behavior, the Addamses are a close-knit bunch.
Violence & scariness: More gore than violence; even though it's animated, some of the macabre stuff in the Addams household could scare kids.
Sexy stuff: Not applicable.
Language: Some stereotypes and name-calling.
Consumerism: Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not applicable.
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

More on The Addams Family (Animated TV Series)

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about being different. What does it mean when someone labels a person as "different"? Is it good or bad to be different? Is there a difference between being unique and being weird? How are the Addamses different from other families? Is their family weird or unique -- or both?

What's the story?

What's the story?
The animated version of THE ADDAMS FAMILY, which originally aired in the early '90s (and still runs in repeats in syndication), closely mirrors the original live-action sitcom from the '60s, as well as the 1991 big-screen version (which likely inspired the timing of the cartoon series). The show follows the animated adventures of a silly-yet-gruesome family composed of vamps and Frankenstein look-alikes who have a spare body part as a pet. Living happily in a deserted museum, this eclectic bunch is ironically oblivious to how other people view them. Devoted couple Gomez (voiced by original Addams star John Astin) and Morticia (Nancy Linari) preside over a houseful that includes grim daughter Wednesday (Debi Derryberry), mischievous son Pugsley (Jeannie Elias), imposing butler Lurch (Jim Cummings), hairy Cousin Itt (Pat Fraley), bald Uncle Fester (Rip Taylor), and -- of course -- Granny (Carol Channing).

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 

Parents might want to keep an eye out for mild stereotypes and name calling (particularly between the siblings) and Morticia's body-hugging attire. And some of the, um, unique features of the Addamses' lifestyle (that disembodied hand running around, the ghouls who pop up everywhere) may be a little scary for sensitive kids, even in cartoon form.

That said, while the occasional gag may cause some raised eyebrows, this is a darkly funny series that will definitely help kids grasp the concept that it's OK to be different -- a message that's most apparent when Uncle Fester sings cabaret numbers like "I'm Still Me."

TV themes & details

TV Details
TV Rating: TV-G
Network: Boomerang
Cast: Carol Channing, John Astin, Rip Taylor
Genre: Kids' Animation
Where to watch: Boomerang
This review was written by Deirdre Sheppard
 
 

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Most useful reviews by all members

LoveJayda
teen, 13 years old
13
 
I hate this show. I LOVED the live action and bway play and this just doesn't get to the standard. I also found myself quite annoyed at the whole show and the layout, and the color gave me a headache.
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