 | 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. |
Family Ties
- Syndicated, The Hub
- Genre: Comedy
Common Sense Media says
Classic 1980s sitcom's messages still ring true today.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this classic '80s sitcom centers on a strong family headed by loving parents who happily share domestic duties. Much of the show's humor stems from the personality differences among the family members, but despite many disagreements, the parents support their kids and encourage them to express their views. Some episodes touch on serious issues like teen pregnancy, grief, extramarital affairs, and crime, but they're all addressed in an honest, thoughtful manner.
What's the story?
Former hippies/leftwing activists from the '60s, Steven (Michael Gross) and Elyse Keaton (Meredith Baxter-Birney) now face the uncertainty of raising a family in the '80s. Parenthood has pitfalls enough, but toss in the added challenge of meshing diverse philosophies between generations, and it's clear why there's never a dull moment in the Keaton household. Steven and Elyse may not always see eye to eye with their brood -- ultra-conservative Alex (Michael J. Fox), popularity queen Mallory (Justine Bateman), and free spirit Jennifer (Tina Yothers) -- but they always respect their ideals and give them support and guidance to find their way in life. (In later episodes, the Keatons welcomed another son, Andy, played by Brian Bonsall.)
Is it any good?
During its seven-year run in the '80s, FAMILY TIES did a lot more than just making it cool to don a calculator watch and tie like Alex. This iconic series set trends of its own, finding heartfelt entertainment in the ups and downs of one of TV's most believable TV families. The Keatons were symbols of a new kind of American household, where both parents were successful professionals and shared domestic duties. Despite the Keatons' vastly different views -- which often led to some heated discussions -- the result was a heartwarming family atmosphere where everyone had a voice and loved ones always pulled together in the end.
In addition to common teen woes like dating and applying to college, the series also tackled serious topics like racial tension, alcoholism, drug addiction, and teen pregnancy, so some of the content may be on the mature side for young kids. But through every trial, Steven and Elyse remained positive role models who offered messages of tolerance, respect, and self-awareness -- making this series still an excellent choice for families. If you can look past the shoulder pads and big hair, you'll find timeless stories and positive lessons that resonate today with the same force as they did in the '80s.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about the media's messages about family life. Are the Keatons a realistic family? How do the issues they face compare to your family’s? How does this series compare to others you’ve seen that center on families? How does the fact that this series is many years old affect how you view it? Are the show’s messages still relevant?
- Show:
- All members
- Parents
- Teens & kids
AGE
great show for familys
This is a great show that sends out useful messages, also even though it was made in the 80's kids will still be able to relate to it today. This is a great show for familys to watch together.
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AGE
great show on the HUb
so this is best for This show is awesome its educational very funny and it has great role models and messages. Sometimes when I watch it with me my siblings I kinda blush because they mention s** sometimes they also have serious topics like drug addiction and alcohol abuse so I think its best for 10 and up
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AGE
Great conversation starting TV show
I love this show. The messages are timeless (except for some of the political stuff), and the characters all have their lovable sides. I just wish I knew when they were going to talk about sex in the episodes, because that is awkward for my younger children.
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AGE
Really good, just wach it.
I think this show is really good, very funny, it always puts a smile on my face, even on my worst days. The messages are extreamly good, always showing the truth. The role models are really great, there is no one who is, per say, a 'bad' role model. There are episodes where they talk about drug or alchoal addiction, but it far from glamorizes it. If it's about drug addiction, it shows the high, where they act wierd and stuff, but then you see the devistating crash, making it impossible to want to take the drug. Same with alchoal, and teen sex and pregnancy is also not talked about like "everyone should do this, it's great!", it really looks at it for what it is. But, don't get me wrong, it gets in some genuane laughs, even with the super annoying laugh track. So, I think you should wach it, it really helps me just end the day with a smile on my face and a good felling is my heart. Very heart warming, very good acting, wach it.
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Kid, 11 years old
April 7, 2011
AGE
Aiming for Tweens
Pretty good show. I think Alex P. Keaton (Michael J. Fox) Is a great role model but has his ups and downs. Great family TV show but you sure need to be 11+ to watch this family show
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Kid, 11 years old
April 15, 2012
AGE
ok show
This show can be good and not. There are many shows where Alex does things that are funny yet, not good for children
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| Topics: | book characters, great boy role models, great girl role models |
| TV rating: | TV-G |
| Networks: | Syndicated, The Hub |
| Cast: | Meredith Baxter, Michael Gross, Michael J. Fox |
| Genre: | Comedy |
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