 | 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. |
Arrested Development
- Fox, Syndicated
- Genre: Comedy
Common Sense Media says
Brilliant, innovative comedy for mature viewers.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that despite its brilliance, this show isn't age appropriate for kids. The show features mature issues like lying, stealing, cheating, adultery, implied nudity, drinking, pill-popping, driving under the influence, prison breaks, kissing cousins, embezzling, illegitimate children, jokes at the expense of gay men, Christians, people of color, and the disabled, and all-around crooked behavior.
What's the story?
When George Bluth (Jeffrey Tambor) is sent to jail for embezzling millions from the family's real estate venture capital firm, levelheaded son Michael (Jason Bateman) takes control of the company and the family. He does his best to placate his drunk mother, Lucille (Jessica Walter), and his needy siblings: Buster (Tony Hale), Gob (pronounced like "Job" in the bible and played by Will Arnett), and twin sister Lindsay (Portia de Rossi). The rest of the family requires less of his attention but are as equally screwed up. His teenage son, George Michael (Michael Cera), is in love with Lindsay's daughter, Maebe (Alia Shawkat). And Maebe's sexually confused father, Tobias Fünke (David Cross), sports cut-offs in the shower. Guest stars include Henry Winkler as the family's inept attorney and Liza Minelli as Lucille's vertigo-stricken neighbor and arch nemesis Lucille Austero, who has an Oedipal-like affair with Buster.
Is it any good?
ARRESTED DEVELOPMENT was rightfully the most critically acclaimed show on television during its original run. The plotlines are incredibly bizarre, unique, and hilarious. The acting is superb, and the direction allows for subtlety not possible on a standard three-camera sitcom. Unfortunately, despite its multiple Emmy awards and industry praise, the show never did well in the ratings and ended after three seasons.
Parents should know that this show is definitely NOT for kids. Much of the humor is so quick and subtle that it's most likely to go over your children's head. However, aside from George Michael, the lack of good will in any of the show's characters (as well as all of the mature story elements) makes this show unsuitable for kids.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about trends in primetime TV content. Increasingly, critically acclaimed shows feature very adult themes and material. Why do you think it's difficult to find a family-friendly show as creative and funny as this one on network television? How does cable play a role in this trend?
Are the Bluths intended to be admirable or relatable characters? Does that impact how much you enjoy the show?
- Show:
- All members
- Parents
- Teens & kids
AGE
Best comedy to ever grace network television with it's presence
This show is rife sarcasm, irony, wit, and character quarks. There are many references to sex and drugs, most of which will fly over most kids heads. This show is also full of terrible people who rarely take the opportunity redeem themselves. Even though the one genuinely good character is often morally conflicted, it's all in the name of humor. i would recommend this show for anyone 14 and up. By the way, canceling this show was Fox's biggest mistake.
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AGE
Not good for anyone.
It's just hairbrained and has no redemning qualities/
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AGE
BEST SHOW EVER!
BEST SHOW EVER! THIS IS MY FAVORITE SHOW BY FAR. IT'S REALLY FUNNY AND EVERYONE WOULD LOVE IT. BUT, IT GOT CANCELLED. BUT, THEY'RE MAKING A ARRESTED DEVELOPMENT MOVIE THAT I HAVE TO SEE
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AGE
for the right tweener and older
My son, then 11, and I watched the whole series. Both of us really enjoyed it. I thought it was a bit dark but ok for him. It's very funny and well done.
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AGE
BEST SHOW EVER
Hmm, interesting. I didn't even know it was TV-MA. I would have said TV-14. Anyways, every single episode of AD is hilarious, but if you don't watch it in sequence it might confuse you or not be funny to you. I can't wait for the AD movie. I heard all of the cast is coming back and the movie is currently in production and is expected to come out in 2009. Whats with TV-MA? COME ON!
Favorite Part:
(Takes off Disguise).
"I'm Gene Parmesan."
Lucille: AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!
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AGE
Funnist Freakin show ever!!! (except maybe seinfeld)
This is a great show and why'll there is some sex and language the messege isnt that bad and it is not TV-MA it is actually Tv-PG(first season) and TV- 14 (second-third season) the cenccership is for commedic affect and they did not actually write a ton of bad words in it. so it is a great show for people 13+ and the jokes don't go over my head, and also on the dvd's the language is also censored for comedic affect
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AGE
Smart Comedy
I saw this show the first time it hit the air (03) and have loved it since. If your 13 year old can enjoy this hsow then congratulations: you've raised quite a culturally sophisticated kid. Some sexual humor but nothing to explicit. Swearing is bleeped for the most part. Great odd-ball characters.
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Kid, 12 years old
November 15, 2008
AGE
An incredible show, but incredibly inappropriate!
Well, for starters, it is a shame this show got cancelled. This show was just hilarious. However, wholly inappropriate for anyone under the age of fifteen. The themes are very mature, but for mature viewers this show is such a treat. I've got to say, commonsense hit the nail on the head for this one. Know your kid. The language is frequent. Although the f**k's are bleeped over, it is still ver obvious what they are saying. There is A TON of sexuality, much too much for anyone under the age of fifteen. I suggest this show is appropriate for mature teens 15 and up.
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AGE
An incredible show, but incredibly inappropriate!
Well, for starters, it is a shame this show got cancelled. This show was just hilarious. However, wholly inappropriate for anyone under the age of fifteen. The themes are very mature, but for mature viewers this show is such a treat. I've got to say, commonsense hit the nail on the head for this one. Know your kid. The language is frequent. Although the f**k's are bleeped over, it is still ver obvious what they are saying. There is A TON of sexuality, much too much for anyone under the age of fifteen. I suggest this show is appropriate for mature teens 15 and up.
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| TV rating: | TV-MA |
| Networks: | Fox, Syndicated |
| Cast: | Jason Bateman, Jeffrey Tambor, Portia de Rossi |
| Genre: | Comedy |
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