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The Andy Griffith Show (TV Land)

common sense media says

Cheery classic has positive, kid-friendly lessons.

parents & educators say
  • 33% say there are positive role models
  • 33% say there are positive messages
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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.

Positive messages: Positive representations of family, particularly single parenthood and father-son relationships. Sends a positive message about the strength of community and has good lessons about being kind and responsible and accepting consequences. Because Andy Taylor is a sheriff, there are references to crime and occasional arrests are made, but it's all very tame. Reflecting its original era, the cast is uniformly white.
Violence & scariness: Sheriff Taylor rarely wears a gun, but Deputy Fife likes pulling out his revolver (which is sometimes visible but never used). Fife carries around a bullet in his pocket.
Sexy stuff: Not applicable.
Language: Not applicable.
Consumerism: Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: One of the secondary characters (Otis) is the town "drunk." But alcohol is never visible.
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

More on The Andy Griffith Show

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
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?

What's the story?

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?

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.

TV themes & details

Themes
adventures
TV Details
TV Rating: TV-G
Network: TV Land
Cast: Andy Griffith, Don Knotts, Ron Howard
Genre: Comedy
Where to watch: TV Land
This review was written by Melissa Camacho
 
 

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What parents & educators say

4
Based on 3 parent & educator reviews:
  • 33% say there are positive role models
  • 33% say there are positive messages
Read the reviews

Most useful reviews by all members

FooZirc
kid, 12 years old
6
 
Perfect!
This is one of my favorite shows!!!!!!!!
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Twilightluver16
teen, 16 years old
2
 
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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helped me decide (5) | had useful details (9) | read my mind (6)
alliekat7
kid, 11 years old
2
 
one of the best shows ever
i think all ages 2 to 200 would love this show
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leftbehindcrazed8
teen, 14 years old
6
 
: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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9001
teen, 15 years old
10
 
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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ken_y
parent of 9 year old
 
A great time! Entertaining but appropriate.
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nathann
adult
 
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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JimmyH
parent of 11 and 13 year old
4
 
Perfect!
A funny show. Perfect for ANYONE :)
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Blue-Bunny
teen, 18 years old
5
 
Classic, family-friendly viewing for any age...
The Andy Griffith Show is a classic comedy about Sheriff Andy Taylor and his friends in the friendly town of Mayberry. Andy is a good role model because he always remains calm (but still serious) on the job. Deputy Barney Fife is a funny character (it's a shame he eventually left the show, though). Opie is Andy's faithful son who enjoys fishing with his father during their free time. Aunt Bea is Andy's beloved aunt who lives with them throughout the show. There is not much violence, but Andy and Barney do carry around guns (they're police, though, what else would they use?). There are a few kissing scenes and some lovey-dovey talk, but it's not an issue. I recommend this to anyone, especially fans of the classics.
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CocoBiscotti3600
kid, 11 years old
7
 
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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mkalv
teen, 17 years old
7
 
Classic!
I loved this show, but once Barney Fife left, the show went downhill fast!
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