Even Stevens (Disney Channel)

common sense media says

Funny-but-formulaic family comedy.


parents & educators say

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that it's important to take this series with a grain of salt: Real-life tweens are experiencing acne, hormones, and emotional breakdowns -- all issues that are rarely solved in 30 minutes. Tell your kids that there's nothing wrong with them just because their real problems are stubborn and long-lasting!

Positive messages: The cast is primarily white and middle class, but each episode ends with a moral. The kids on the show act in age-appropriate ways. Funny, but socially appropriate. Humor is occasionally at the expense of another character, but the characters tend to apologize in those cases.
Violence: Not applicable.
Sex: None, although the Stevens siblings deal with their own romantic entanglements.
Language: Not applicable.
Consumerism: Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not applicable.

More on Even Stevens

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about sibling relationships. Is the way Ren and Louis interact realistic? How is it the same as/different from the way kids interact with their own sibling(s)? Do the parents on the show seem like real parents? How could the show be changed so that it seemed more like real life?

What's the story?

What's the story?
EVEN STEVENS follows the sibling rivalry between Ren and Louis Stevens. Ren (Christy Carlson Romano) works hard to be perfect, while Louis (Shia LaBeouf) is a class clown. Ren feels that her little brother undermines her shot at flawlessness, while Louis thinks that his older sister should lighten up. They're joined by their clueless jock older brother, Donnie (Nick Spano), who adds to the hi-jinks and occasionally provides the pearls of wisdom needed to defuse tangles between his sister and brother.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 
All in all, Even Stevens is good, clean, family fun fit for late-afternoon viewing. Although formulaic, Even Stevens is a funny twist on the family comedy. Louis, as played by rising star LaBeouf (who also starred in Holes), is hilarious and natural in his role as a pesky younger brother. The interaction between Ren and Louis is realistic, and the two seem to have a genuine affection for each other despite their Odd Couple differences.

Like many sitcoms that examine the lives of kids, the parents in Even Stevens are more like set dressing than actual characters. Mom Eileen Stevens (Donna Pescow) is a California state senator (which is the only way to know that the show takes place in Sacramento). Her husband, Steve (Tom Virtue), is an important lawyer. Both of the parents are involved in their kids' lives, but this seems more like a requirement of the Disney family sitcom formula than a real interaction between parents and kids. Beyond the lack of character development, the scenes involving the parents are also the least funny and interesting part of the show.

TV themes & details

TV Details
TV Rating: TV-G
Network: Disney Channel
Cast: Nick Spano, Shia LaBeouf
Genre: Comedy
Where to watch: Disney Channel

This review was written by Ellie Gettinger
 
 

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What parents & educators say

10

Most useful reviews by all members

Keds43@aol.com
teen, 17 years old
 
I miss it!
I wish they would make new episodes of Even Stevens! This show cracks me up, especially the one where Louis sees Beans' head on Beans' cousin! It was hilarious and ridiculous! You can still catch it on Disney Channel!

krazypanda
teen, 16 years old
 
It is ok
It depends on what type of TV shows you like. It can be kind of stupid

 
Even Stevens is a great show! Very funny and great to watch wil the whole family!

wii
teen, 17 years old
 
funny
very very very funny great series!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 
Love This Show!!!
This showis one of my favorite shows now! It is sooooo funny! it is a great show for kids!!!

 
One of Disney's best
Before Shia LaBeouf became a huge movie star, he was Louis Stevens on "Even Stevens." "Even Stevens" was one of the best sitcoms on Disney Channel and on ABC's One Saturday Morning (now ABC Kids). "Even Stevens" always had good morals and was wholesome and funny. The thing about this show, unlike most kids shows these days, is that you can gather the family around to watch it and everyone will enjoy it, no one will be offended. If you haven't seen it yet, it currently airs on WGN weekend mornings.

Panya
adult
 
I like this
Because of the sibling rivalry and occasional put-downs, I'd only recommend this to tween-aged kids (who know better than to act that way). It's over-the-top in it's comedy, but still enjoyable.

ladybug!
teen, 18 years old
 
Even Stevens was pretty dumb!
Even Stevens is a show that you can tell the actors are trying way too hard! That makes it way too dumb. It didn`t entertain me. I would not really suggest it. There were those kind of funny moments but not many. I wouldn`t suggest Even Stevens.

nikilj
parent of 12 year old
 
I love this show!
I think Even Stevens is great! My daughter is 5 & she loves watching it. Usually we watch it together. Some kids might not understand,but all kids are different. Think it's great.

BlueSunday
teen, 15 years old
 
Good Family Fun
Very good, I loved this show! The family is a strong unit that is very inspiring, and the silbings are just very intertaning. Luis is a funny kid that loves to irritate his sister Ren (they have cool names for the characters too) Their mother is a state seniter, Donny is the athetic type (not all there, but still pretty smart) Beans is the goofy kid that is concittered a pest to the Stevens, but they still welcome him. The father is supportive, good friends to count on, this is what real tv should be like, not gutter trash like theys how now. This was excellent, the acting wasn't always the best, but it was still very well done!

MillyMolly
teen, 15 years old
 
Very Funny!
Very funny, used to wathc this all the time, even my mom likes it!

 
Greatest Disney Show
This show is very funny. They try hard but you still can't just help liking the show. It is somewhat unrealistic too so you don't really think about YOUR life as much.

 
A typical family with typical problems, but very funny!
The show has its spots, but it is really good above all. The siblings fight but learn to deal with the differences and learn valuebul lessons. The only thing flirtatious is a few harmless crushes.

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