 | 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. |
The Andy Griffith Show
Common Sense Media says
Cheery classic has positive, kid-friendly lessons.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that although this classic '60s comedy series features simplistic storylines and dated humor, it also offers timeless lessons about responsibility, kindness, and the consequences of your behavior. It's a cheerful, squeaky clean -- and very idealized -- example of strong family and community relationships in a small town.
What's the story?
One of television's most iconic -- and cheerful -- comedy series, THE ANDY GRIFFITH SHOW revolves around Andy Taylor (Andy Griffith), the easygoing sheriff of the fictitious town of Mayberry, North Carolina. Mayberry may be small, but with eccentric residents like goofy auto mechanic Gomer Pyle (Jim Nabors) and easily distracted barber Floyd Lawson (Howard McNear), it's certainly not boring. Thanks to Taylor and his cousin -- rather overzealous "by-the-book" Deputy Barney Fife (Don Knotts) -- the tight-knit but rather innocent community is protected from anything and anyone that threatens their simple, happy way of life. Taylor is also raising his son, Opie (Ron Howard), with the help of their Aunt Bee (Frances Bavier), who moved in to help run the household. The strong relationship between father and son provides the basis for many of the show's discussions about "doing the right thing" and accepting the consequences of yout actions.
Is it any good?
The Andy Griffith Show, which aired from 1960-1968, was part of a TV trend that (somewhat ironically) epitomized traditional family values by featuring a family headed by a widowed parent. The series also provided a welcome, albeit idealized, version of simple, quiet American life during a time when the country was experiencing major civil unrest and was in the midst of the Vietnam War. Granted, the show's humor is dated, the cast is hardly diverse, and the storylines are simplistic (especially when you compare them to today's typical family sitcom). But what makes Andy Griffith stand the test of time is its focus on kindness and the importance of community.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about what it's like to live in a small town. What are the advantages of living in a tight-knit community? Disadvantages? What do small towns offer that cities don't, and vice versa? Parents and kids can also talk about how families have been presented on television over the years. How has TV family life changed over the past 40+ years? What's the definition of family today? Do you think a single dad was a typical TV character during the '60s?
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Kid, 11 years old
January 18, 2009
AGE
one of the best shows ever
i think all ages 2 to 200 would love this show
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Kid, 12 years old
April 2, 2011
AGE
Perfect!
This is one of my favorite shows!!!!!!!!
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AGE
Still one of the best shows ever !!
I grew up in the late fifties and early sixties, and even though "The Andy Griffith Show" was winding down its run, I have enjoyed (to this day) the reruns. I look forward to the Memorial Day ALL DAY Marathon of classic Andy Griffith Episodes. I appreciate comedic talent, and I believe that great comics are able to utilize humor that is family friendy, and extremely funny. Andy Griffith was one of those shows that exempliphies classic, timeless humor.
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AGE
Great show for all ages
I think this show is great! Some of the episodes are educational but not many. I like the black and white episodes but not the ones where its in color.
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AGE
Almost every episode is safe for all ages.
There's some episodes with suggestive and/or romantic content, but it's generally mild. 10+.
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AGE
:D :D
this is a great show! I love it so much! I'm actually watching it right now. There is nothing that would be inappropriate for kids, although some gun shot scenes are rare in some episodes.
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AGE
Classic!
I loved this show, but once Barney Fife left, the show went downhill fast!
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Kid, 11 years old
June 13, 2011
AGE
Show with good messages
I just started watching Andy Griffith last year and think it's an OK show. Perfect for kids 7+. But once and awhile, it gets boring, so a young kid might not want to watch it.
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| Topics: | adventures |
| TV rating: | TV-G |
| Network: | TV Land |
| Cast: | Andy Griffith, Don Knotts, Ron Howard |
| Genre: | Comedy |
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