Everybody Hates Chris (CW, Nickelodeon)

common sense media says

Everyone will love this funny take on real issues.

parents & educators say

35% say language is an issue

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.

Positive messages: The show emphasizes the importance of family and friendship, as well as standing up for yourself and being true to who you are. Characters learn from their mistakes and apologize when they're in the wrong.

Positive role models: They're not perfect, but Chris' parents work hard and do what's right for their kids, teaching them the value of family, money, and hard work. They also admit when they're wrong and use their own mistakes as learning opportunities for their kids. Chris is a well-meaning teen who usually does the right thing -- or learns an important lesson when he doesn't.

Violence: Chris gets into occasional fights at school (most are started by a bully). In one episode, he accidentally breaks his brother's hand after taking a karate class. Mom Rochelle often threatens her kids with physical punishment, but she never follows through (it's all played for laughs).

Sex: Mild flirting, kissing, and innuendo; teenage crushes; discussion of girls' looks.

Language: The "N" word is used sparingly. Other mild language includes "hell," "damn," and "ass."

Consumerism: Some episodes involve Chris wanting particular items, but none are name brands. One episode revolves around an issue of Playboy.

Drinking, drugs, & smoking: References to becoming a "crackhead" after a character almost fails a math test.

Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

What to talk about

Talk to your kids

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?

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.

TV themes & details

TV Details

TV Rating: TV-PG
Network: CW
Cast: Terry Crews, Tichina Arnold, Tyler James Williams
Genre: Comedy
Where to watch: CW

This review was written by Marjorie Kase

Review It

What parents & educators say

Based on 17 parent & educator reviews:

35% say language is an issue

Read the reviews

Most useful reviews by all members

andra2hip2
kid, 11 years old

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

TV Details

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Everybody Hates Chris (CW, Nickelodeon)

common sense media says

parents & educators say

What parents need to know

More on Everybody Hates Chris

What to talk about

Talk to your kids

What's the story?

What's the story?

Is it any good?

Is it any good?

TV themes & details

TV Details

Review It

Review Everybody Hates Chris

What parents & educators say

Most useful reviews by all members

So Funny :)!!!!

Good. I tune in to watch.

Not appropriate for children

perfect for teens and up

wow

I LOVE IT

A good comedy

great show

the staryotypes...

Clever Comedy is Perfect for a Family

NO VALUE

Funny Show!

More reviews ...

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