 | 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. |
Everybody Hates Chris
- CW, Nickelodeon
- Genre: Comedy
Common Sense Media says
Everyone will love this funny take on real issues.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this warmhearted sitcom is funny and smart, but its themes are too mature for younger kids. Chris' parents make empty threats when their kids get into trouble; these comments are portrayed in a comedic light and aren't meant to be taken seriously (in fact, the parents are strong role models overall, teaching their kids responsibility and helping family members learn from mistakes). There are jokes about drugs (becoming a "crackhead"), and the "N" word is used sparingly (usually to make a specific point). There's also some mild kissing and jokes about teen pregnancy.
What's the story?
EVERYBODY HATES CHRIS is about the trials and tribulations of teenage Chris (Tyler James Williams) -- and about many real-life issues, such as dealing with strict parents, constantly being picked on by a racist bully at school, and having a more popular, better-looking, taller younger brother. Based on comedian Chris Rock's childhood in Brooklyn, the early '80s-set show puts an unusual spin on the usual sitcom formula. Rock narrates, there's no laugh track, and stories deal humorously with real issues. Chris' parents work multiple jobs and still struggle to pay the bills, all while making sure their kids get a good education and stay on the straight and narrow.
Is it any good?
Chris doesn't shy away from addressing racial stereotypes. For example, much is made over the fact that Chris' father, unlike most other families on the block, is still around to support the family financially and emotionally. The show even goes so far as to mention the "N" word, which a conventional sitcom wouldn't dare utter without the program being considered a "very special episode."
Everybody Hates Chris is a prime example of how to take serious issues and approach them in a humorous yet thought-provoking way. The series is innovative, funny, and stereotype-defying -- enjoyable for teens and their parents.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about the kind of issues explored on the show versus those on more conventional sitcoms. How prevalent is the type of obvious racism depicted on the show?
Are Chris' parents realistic about how they punish him and his siblings?
Can your kids point out what has changed, if anything, between the time in which this sitcom takes place and now?
- Show:
- All members
- Parents
- Teens & kids
Kid, 12 years old
May 4, 2010
AGE
yall parents. the only reason they were racis to each other becuase it was back then. people were racis. chris had a white friend and he liked him. his math teacher likes him too so. i dont care
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Kid, 12 years old
April 6, 2011
AGE
Good. I tune in to watch.
This show is about Chris Rock's middle school - high school life. It stops before he becomes an comedian. This show does contain racism. (Towards Chris) It's quite funny. I had a laugh. Chris is the only black in the school. Everybody but his nerdy friend Greg, hates him. Mostly because of his race. He gets scammed by people. And his brother Drew takes all the girls away. (The girls love Drew!) He has a sister. And a dad who is obsessed with money, plus a mom who.. Can be funny sometimes (:
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AGE
perfect for teens and up
it is very funny and hilarious which also teaches many life lessons
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AGE
Not appropriate for children
This show's jokes about drugs, teen pregnancy, selling foodstamps and general smart mouth is not acceptable for children. General disrespect shown to parents, promotes being sarcastic remarks to everyone....may have been life for Chris Rock ( and me) but not what I want for my child...I believe in promoting a nuturing environment, teaching my child to be kind, considerate and loving. And then there is the use of the "N" word - I grew up in the south and find this word repulsive - I refuse to use it, and I dont want my child exposed to it. If my white child sees black folks calling each other the "N" word - how in the world am I supposed to teach him it isnt okay for him to do it? Sorry - I cant buy into this show as appropriate for children.
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AGE
I LOVE IT
Its so funny but the RACIST Teacher makes me mad she once said "You know where they come from they wake up early to work on the fields
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| TV rating: | TV-PG |
| Networks: | CW, Nickelodeon |
| Cast: | Terry Crews, Tichina Arnold, Tyler James Williams |
| Genre: | Comedy |
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