Brothers (Fox)

common sense media says

Somewhat salty sitcom mixes sibling rivalry, brotherly love.


parents & educators say

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that although this sitcom about two adult brothers who have to learn to get along after years of sibling rivalry includes plenty of arguing and insults (all played for laughs, of course), overall it has some very positive messages about the importance of family. Expect strong sexual innuendo, lots of salty language (including “hell," “bitch," “ass," “crap," etc.), and some drinking. One of the main characters is in a wheelchair; his accident is occasionally discussed.

Positive messages: Overall, the series has positive messages about family -- even though the brothers don’t always get along, in the end they care about each other and their parents.
Positive role models: Despite all of their arguing, the Trainors are a loving family. Chill doesn’t let the fact that he's in a wheelchair stop him from living a full life.
Violence: Michael and Chill constantly argue. Chill's car accident is occasionally discussed.
Sex: Some strong sexual innuendo, including references to having sex and shaving genitals. At least one reference to pornography.
Language: Audible language includes fairly frequent use of words like “hell," "crap," ”bitch,” and “ass."
Consumerism: References to Twitter.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Adult characters are shown drinking alcohol (cocktails, wine, beer).

More on Brothers

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
  • Families can talk about how people with disabilities are typically portrayed in the media. Is it uncommon to see people with disabilities on sitcoms? If so, why do you think that is?
  • Teens: What do you think it would be like to move back into your parents' home as an adult? What would some of the benefits and drawbacks be? Would rules or chores be in order?

What's the story?

What's the story?
In BROTHERS, adult siblings again find themselves living under their parents’ roof. Retired and secretly broke, former NFL player Mike Trainor (Michael Strahan) returns to Houston to help his father (Carl Weathers) recover from a stroke. Mike's return rekindles his troubled relationship with his wheelchair-bound brother, Chill (played by Daryl Chill Mitchell), who refuses to accept the fact that his sports-themed restaurant is going under. While the brothers bicker over issues from their past, their mother, Adele (CCH Pounder), pushes them to help each other rebuild their lives. Gradually the two discover that while they may not always get along, they're definitely there for each other.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 

Brothers is full of all the typical silly jokes and gags you'd expect to see in a half-hour sitcom. But it also has lots of positive messages about family. While much of the show's humor centers on the adult sibling rivalry between the brothers, their arguing is never strong enough to suggest that they don'tlove each other. And even though Chill’s accident and paralysis don’t stop him from living a full life, his wheelchair serves as a constant reminder of how the Trainors pulled together to get through some very difficult times.

Despite the show's underlying positive themes, its salty language and frequent sexual innuendo make it an iffy choice for younger viewers. But for teens and adults, watching may help underscore the importance of having -- and maintaining -- close family ties.

TV themes & details

TV Details
TV Rating: TV-14
Network: Fox
Cast: CCH Pounder, Daryl Chill Mitchell, Michael Strahan
Genre: Comedy
Where to watch: Fox

This review was written by Melissa Camacho
 
 

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About our rating system
ON: Content is 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