 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Aliens in America
Common Sense Media says
High school sitcom tackles intolerance with humor.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this genuinely funny sitcom addresses issues related to prejudice against Muslims in a clever, sensitive way and ultimately delivers positive messages about tolerance and diversity. The main characters are both high school outsiders who encounter lots of teasing and occasional threats. Expect fairly frequent potty language, fairly mild profanity (mostly of the "crap" and "damn" variety), and made-up insults regarding racial and ethnic groups, as well as non-explicit references to sex, flirting, dating, birth control, and more.
What's the story?
ALIENS IN AMERICA is a comedy about the difficult years of high school as experienced by sweet, sensitive 16-year-old Wisconsinite Justin Tolchuk (Dan Byrd). Hoping to boost her awkward son's confidence with a built-in friend, his mother, Franny (Amy Pietz), takes in an exchange student. But the student turns out to be very different from the hunky, blond-haired athlete Franny had in mind. Raja Musharaff (Adhir Kalyan), a Muslim Pakistani, arrives bright-eyed, eager, and naïve about the effect that his traditional clothing and constant references to Allah have on his Midwestern host family and classmates. But hard-working, disarmingly sweet Raja dispels Justin's parents' prejudices and he becomes part of the family. Still, Justin's association with Raja certainly doesn't improve his social status. Both boys are in for lots of eye-opening surprises, some ugly and some hilarious.
Is it any good?
With great comic acting and writing, this genuinely funny take on one of the country's touchiest subjects is perfect for the times. Fears about terrorism and the realities of prejudice come under a comic lens -- and the resulting messages about diversity and tolerance are welcome. Both teens and adults will enjoy the familiar high school issues the show addresses, especially those who can identify with the feeling of being an outsider. Plenty of references to sex pop up, but nothing too racy for most teens.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about what constitutes "normal" teenage behavior. Is there even such a thing? What messages does the show send about what's "normal" for teens? How does a person's culture affect their behavior? What do Raja and Justin have in common, and how are they different? What's behind those differences -- personality or upbringing? Are they similar to or different from other TV and movie teens? In what ways?
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- Teens & kids
AGE
OK
This show still would be the smae if it weren't for all that sexeal content
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AGE
Great show for teaching tolerance
I really enjoyed this show, though my children are younger and I did not allow them to watch it. I can see it being OK for older children (late teens) so long as parents watch with them and discuss some of the stickier issues. It does contain "teenage" language (name calling, etc.) and some sexual innuendo/references, though nothing blatant. It seems like it's going in a good direction by using humor to teach cultural and social tolerance, as well as the value of friendship and understanding.
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AGE
Made My Heart Explode! HeeHee!
The show was really great. I loved it. I was bursting out laughing in parts,a few times i was so happy i couldn't help laughing,but a few times i did feel kind of weird watching it because of the "Top 10 Most Bangable List" although it was funny it was still a little inapproprate.
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AGE
Enjoyed by my family
My teens and I love this show. We all find it entertaining and often discuss the topics presented when we watch.
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AGE
Funniest. Show. Ever.
Just watch it, please. It's just soooooo funny.
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AGE
What a great show!
Just a great and family friendly show. Sure some eps are better than others but all in all, its pretty nice.
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| TV rating: | TV-PG |
| Network: | CW |
| Cast: | Adhir Kalyan, Amy Pietz, Dan Byrd |
| Genre: | Comedy |
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