American Dad (Fox)

common sense media says

Raunchy parody isn't as funny or smart as Family Guy.

parents & educators say

41% say there's too much drinking, drugs, or smoking
41% say sexual content is an issue

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this Family Guy inspired animated comedy relies on raunchy sexual humor, fantasy violence (including guns), and strong language to get laughs. Many of the jokes also come at the expense of the show's lead character, a staunchly conservative father and C.I.A. agent. Characters smoke cigarettes, drink, and occasionally smoke pot. Nothing in the series attempts to be realistic.

Positive messages: The show spoofs the traditional American family by pushing the envelope with edgy humor.

Positive role models: Stan’s staunchly conservative and patriarchal view of the world often leads to some questionable parenting choices. Francine often comes across as a ditzy housewife. Hayley is a college activist whose values directly conflict with her parents'. Despite their dysfunctional way of dealing with things, the family members do care about each other.

Violence: Lots of fantasy violence (people being punched and hit with bats, bloody gunshot wounds, etc.). Stan carries a gun and often pulls it out to threaten people (including his teenage kids).

Sex: Frequent raunchy humor, including lewd references to breasts and other body parts. Characters (especially Stan) are shown taking off their pants, in their underwear, and having sex under the covers. Condoms are also discussed

Language: "Damn," "hell," "bitch," "ass," and "slut," are frequent. Stronger language like "s--t" is bleeped.

Consumerism: Not applicable.

Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Characters, including teenagers, are shown drinking beer and shots, and sometimes throwing up. Roger the Alien likes to drink excessively. Cigarette and marijuana smoking is sometimes visible.

Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

What to talk about

Talk to your kids

Families can talk about Stan Smith's unflinching patriotism and machismo, and how they often blind his judgment. They can also discuss the family's repeated attempts to come together amidst each episode's zaniness.

What's the story?

AMERICAN DAD is an animated sitcom about the domestic life of Stan Smith (voiced by Seth McFarlane), a staunchly patriotic and conservative C.I.A. agent, living in a suburb of Washington, D. C., with his stay-at-home wife, Francine (Wendy Schaal), liberal-minded daughter Hayley (Rachael MacFarlane), and his rather nerdy son Steve (Scott Grimes). Also part of the family is Roger (McFarlane), an alien who escaped a secret military base, and Klaus (Dee Bradley Baker), a goldfish with the brain of an East German Olympic ski jumper. Sometimes joining the fray is Jeff (Jeff Fischer), Haley’s on again/off again love interest. Their colorful personalities make for some crazy moments, but despite the zaniness, they somehow still come together as a family.

Is it any good?

Like it’s sister series Family Guy, American Dad combines edgy humor and animated fantasy to create a series that is designed to parody today’s contemporary family. Issues like political conservatism, liberal activism, patriotism, and traditional gender roles are all addressed here. Adding to its flair is its consistent reliance on pop culture references to make it both funny and relevant. It definitely pushes the envelope when it comes to what is appropriate and/or funny, but it lacks the intelligent satire of The Simpsons and some of the quirkiness of Family Guy. It also makes it a less-than-ideal choice for younger viewers. But older fans of this kind of comedy genre will definitely find something here.

TV themes & details

TV Details

TV Rating: TV-14
Network: Fox
Cast: Scott Grimes, Seth MacFarlane, Wendy Schaal
Genre: Comedy
Where to watch: Fox

This review was written by Tony Nigro

Review It

What parents & educators say

Based on 17 parent & educator reviews:

41% say there's too much drinking, drugs, or smoking
41% say sexual content is an issue
29% say violence is an issue

Read the reviews

Most useful reviews by all members

NintendoMaster
kid, 12 years old

Disgusting!

After watching an episode for the first time, I was so disgusted! The mom got her face burnt by someone on purpose! And when they showed her face, I almost threw up! If you thought Family GUy was innapropriate, wait until you see this. You'll regret say Family Guy was inapropriate. This really is an Adult Comedy, so families definatly skip.

What other families should know

TV Details

Starring

Genre

American Dad (Fox)

common sense media says

parents & educators say

What parents need to know

More on American Dad

What to talk about

Talk to your kids

What's the story?

What's the story?

Is it any good?

Is it any good?

TV themes & details

TV Details

Review It

Review American Dad

What parents & educators say

Most useful reviews by all members

Disgusting!

funny in a way..

Great for older teens, for younger ones, perhaps not.

PERFECT FOR INFANTS!

9+

Just stop, MacFarlane. Just stop. Please.

This filth is the leftovers of the great show Family Guy and it seems to have been stamped on and teared apart too

Better than Family Guy

good show

Hilarious show, just as good as Family Guy

What are you talking about? Much cleverer than Family Guy!

Funny

not funny or memorable

Don't break your instrument no matter what

Hollywood Dad

More reviews ...

An independent voice for families

Age-appropriate reviews

Advice on the big issues

vote now

Will you see American Dad?

Already seen it? What do you think?

Great alternatives handpicked by our editors

Other smart, edgy shows

For kids who love wild movies

Browse more TV

About our rating system

Browse our library of reviews

See what our editors recommend