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Good Luck Charlie (Disney Channel)

common sense media says

Well-rounded Disney sitcom offers wholesome fun to families.

parents & educators say
  • 53% say there are positive role models
  • 49% say there are positive messages
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What parents need to know

Parents need to know that there’s little cause for concern in this lighthearted sitcom about a family coping with the challenges that accompany a new (and unexpected) baby. The show draws humor from standard family fare like older siblings’ lukewarm responses to a new baby, and parents’ difficulties managing the needs of a large family. Apart from some very mild flirting (two of the characters are teens, after all), there’s nothing iffy in this funny spin on modern family life.

Educational value: The show is meant as entertainment, not education, though families will see the benefits of working as a team to overcome challenges.
Positive messages: The show celebrates a family’s resilience when faced with unexpected new challenges, reminding viewers that although life is rarely perfect, the chaos is manageable (and sometimes even amusing) when you’ve got people around you can count on. It does often poke fun at Gabe’s distress over becoming a seemingly overlooked middle child.
Positive role models: Amy and Bob try hard to fulfill the diverse needs of all four of their kids and still maintain a relationship of their own. They call on their kids -- especially the oldest two -- to pitch in and help for the family’s sake, and Teddy and PJ are usually up to the challenge. All family members (regardless of gender) share in the duties of keeping house and childrearing.
Violence & scariness: Not applicable.
Sexy stuff: Some mild teen flirting and attempts to steal kisses behind parents’ backs. Girls refer to guys as “hot.”
Language: Occasional use of “butt.”
Consumerism: Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not applicable.
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

More on Good Luck Charlie

What to talk about

Talk to your kids

  • Families can talk about coping with change. Kids: How do you respond to big changes in your life? Do you find the prospect of change exciting or frightening? To whom do you turn for help when you face a new challenge?

  • Kids: What are your responsibilities within your family? Why are those tasks important? What are the repercussions of not fulfilling your responsibilities? How have your responsibilities changed as you’ve gotten older?

  • How does the media portray family life? Do you think shows like this reflect typical American families? Why or why not? How has our definition of family changed throughout history? What role does the media play in people’s acceptance of these changes?

What's the story?

What's the story?

GOOD LUCK CHARLIE centers on the Duncans, an all-American family of five whose comfortable routine is upset with the unexpected arrival of baby Charlotte (aka “Charlie,” Mia Talerico). With mom Amy (Leigh-Allyn Baker) headed back to work and dad Bob (Eric Allan Kramer) busy with his pest-control business, it’s up to teenage Teddy (Bridgit Mendler) and PJ (Jason Dolley) to pitch in caring for their little sister, all the while maintaining their own busy social lives. Both are fairly good sports about it, but 10-year-old Gabe (Bradley Steven Perry) isn’t so understanding, seeing as Charlie’s the reason he’s been relegated to the dreaded status of a middle child.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 

A successful sitcom is one that resonates with viewers’ own experiences, and family-centered shows like this one face the challenge of appealing to a diverse array of family dynamics. When it comes to the modern American household, one size definitely does not fit all, and honing in on this viewer niche can be tricky in today’s society.

Fortunately, though, Good Luck Charlie’s content is well rounded enough that there’s something for everyone to enjoy (though viewers expecting any edginess will be disappointed). Whether it’s a seasoned mom’s uncertainties over returning to the work force or a tween’s reaction to being overshadowed by a new sibling, every member of the family will find something to relate to -- and get a laugh out of the show’s take on the ups and downs of family life.

TV themes & details

TV Details
TV Rating: TV-G
Network: Disney Channel
Cast: Bridgit Mendler, Eric Allan Kramer, Leigh-Allyn Baker
Genre: Comedy
Where to watch: Disney Channel
This review was written by Emily Ashby
 
 

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What parents & educators say

6
Based on 49 parent & educator reviews:
  • 53% say there are positive role models
  • 49% say there are positive messages
  • 27% say sexual content is an issue
Read the reviews

Most useful reviews by all members

musicprincess101
teen, 14 years old
9
 
Many inappropriate "jokes" that are bound to generate questions
It's a cute show (I'm 13, btw) but definitely not appropriate for younger kids (e.g. eight and younger). I suppose mature kids could watch it. It's Disney, so you'd think it would be a funny family show, but there are way too many sexual jokes that irritate me whenever my 7 year old sisters watch it. Here are some examples: (Teddy to her parents) "Okay, have fun! But not too much fun - we have enough kids." ---- Mom: And then I met dad. Teddy: And if you hadn't, then I wouldn't be here today! [Note: this one seems okay, except my sister couldn't stop "pointing out" that Teddy would still be there - because "you only need a mom to make a baby right? right?"] ---- Gabe: (to Mom) Did Dad ever get nervous talking to you? Mom: Oh, when your Dad and I started dating we didn't do a lot of talking. Mostly we just... Gabe: Just what? Mom: Played checkers...lots and lots of checkers. ---- On the 2-part special where they go on a family vacation, there are WAY too many inappropriate jokes... here's the scene: Mom: Big news! Teddy (15 years old): Please tell us you're not having another baby. Mom: No, we're not having another baby. And I can assure you, we're not making that announcement ever again. Teddy: Yeah, this family is big enough - you completely clear on that dad? Dad: Why're you pointing your finger at me? Having babies is a team effort. Gabe (10 yrs old): What do you mean? Teddy: This should be good. Dad: Uh, you know what? Getting back to that announcement, we're going on a family vacation!......The place is called Mountain Bliss and it's Mom: Where your dad and I got married. Dad: You know the weekend we got married, we weren't even planning on doing it! Mom: Getting married....Then we met judge lawson and he said we were perfect for each other, so...we did it! Dad: Got married. Gabe: Why do you keep saying that? Mom: Haven't you had "The Talk" with him yet? Dad: I haven't had the talk with PJ yet! PJ (17): I'm good! Also, there's some mild nudity - for example, Uncle Mel turns around (so his back is facing the audience) and pulls down his pants and underwear. His butt is covered with giant foam fingers (they're at a ball game), but projected onto a big screen for the entire stadium to see. And the most nudity is in Snow Show (and all the commercials for it, too). PJ is completely naked, with his snowboard covering his private area. It's covered, but still who would want to see that? (Ok, who would want their siblings seeing that?) There is some kissing but nothing over the top. So basically, I agree with abbyccga and buckets. Good, funny show but definitely unsuitable for many young kids.
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4GoodReasons
parent of 3 , and 8 , 11 , 13 year old
10
 
My daughter doesn't need a boy crazy teenager as her role model.
Really! I am SHOCKED that this show is rated for 7+ and I implore the original reviewers to watch again. While this could be a GREAT show, I am so frustrated by the messages being sent by the oldest sister. EVERYTHING with her is about boys, getting her first kiss, hot guys, going to parties. There's even scenes where she flat out lies or deceives her parents. This show was on our favorites list, until I paid closer attention. Pay attention parents - this show does NOT give the messages you way your tween to hear.
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CherylG41
parent of 8 and 10 year old
5
 
I love, love, love this show! So nice to see a traditional family show where the parents are present and don't look like total buffoons - they seem like they could be real people. So many kids' shows now have smart-talking kids and either no parents present, or "fun party parents" who only show up to have a good time with the kids and are totally irresponsible - i.e., Shake It Up and iCarly. You've got to love the entire premise of the show - and older teen sister making a video of family life for her baby sister to see when she's older. While the family members can be a bit sarcastic at times, it's obvious that they love and respect each other. At first I was a bit stumped when I saw comments about the "language" used, that it was a bit sexually suggestive, because I've never noticed this and thought maybe it really went over my head - unlikely. Then I saw examples of what reviewers were referring to......nothing at all outrageous, but very innocent innuendo between parents or older teenagers, which is typical of the way real families talk. All of the language is very innocuous, and if kids can understand what they're referring to, then they've already learned it elsewhere. How would a young child know that "playing checkers" was referring to sex if they hadn't already learned about sex? This is nothing compared to Miranda Cosgrove referring to her brothers as "boobs" in Drake and Josh, or the many references to "weiners" in that show. This is not even close to that mess!
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Phil1995
kid, 13 years old
10
 
Super Cute!
I love this show! Its funny, and not in a corny old fashion way. Mia(Charlie) is the cutest! This show is a little bit educational. In the second episode there is a little bit of sexual reference. Like Teddy tells her parents "dont have to much fun, we dont need another baby". And when they bring home the wrong baby Teddy sais"See, wrong part" and then the baby boy pees like a fountain. Its funny for kids 10 and up. I think kids under ten might not understand some of the humor and might get bored with it.Over all a great family show.
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cydsmom
parent of and 3 , 5 , 15 year old
4
 
Great for everybody.
My 4 year old loves this show. He has both a teenage sister and a baby sister who is 18 mos. He can definitely relate to the family dynamic on the show and is already accustomed to finding the humor and cuteness that comes with a baby in the family. He watches and the show seems to remind him of funny incidents with his sisters. Our baby likes to see the baby on the show and my teen watches it too. Even my husband laughs. This means no arguing (however briefly) over what is on the TV.
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Christ-Lover
parent of and 7 , 7 , 8 , 11 , 14 year old
4
 
Appropiate for all ages.
There is nothing bad in this show, in fact it's pretty innocent. But I can't find any of the jokes funny. I have seen character like PJ, Gabe, and Amy (the mother) everywhere. Same with that one character, Joe, that shows in several episodes. Ooh an evil little girl! Where have I seen THAT before?
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mollsta1234
parent of 11 year old
6
 
no one show!
I hate it! :[ it stinks and ir's brain washing! it put me to sleep with its bad jokes and dumb topics!!!!there is also some flirting and kissing thats not for young kids! dont watch it!
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96grlpowrCE
teen, 16 years old
8
 
A much-needed change of pace from the other Disney shows!
I actually quite like the show Good Luck Charlie! It's a break from the shows on both Disney and Nickelodeon currently, most of which entail some sort of extraordinary element that makes the characters and storylines unrelatable. It's just your average family dealing with adjusting to a new baby. It has a lot of good laugh-out-loud moments, and it's the most watchable show on Disney at the time. Even the theme song is really nice.
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MileyySupport
teen, 16 years old
9
 
Another ok typical Disney Show
I think this show is ok but it's the same as every typical disney show. Bridgit Mendler is obviously going to be the next Disney Media source.It's a fairly good show in my opinion but there are a few things wrong Violence: Charlie(a 9 month old baby) gets dropped and than catched again as her dad falls down the stairs and breaks a bone. Sexy Stuff:Teddy tries to kiss a guy many times alone when her parents aren't home and even turns out the lights a few times,Teddy makes an innapropriate joke saying "You guys go out and have fun on your date but not too much fun we have enough kids already"" and Pj brings home another baby by accident as Teddy points out it has the "wrong parts"
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Mary Daniels
kid, 11 years old
9
 
good shows for little peoples
i think good luck charlie is a very approiate show for 8 ages and up and it is very good show for little peoples to watch and shows that does not concern cussing bad languge smoking drugs or sexy stuff
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me4ever55
kid, 12 years old
7
 
This show stinks
This show stinks so badly i mean the shows called good luck charlie not good luck teddy i mean they show more of the teenager than the baby who the shows named after in one of the episode teddy was complaining about getting a b in one of her classes thats just so stupid it's a b it's not like an c,d,or and f if they showed more of the baby then the teenager then maybe i would like the show but for now this show sucks and briget mendler's voice is just way to high when she complains i liked her better in wizard then in this suckish show
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Dddddddddd
teen, 18 years old
6
 
Not the best
It is KIND OF funny, but barely. I don't think it has a point, exactly. None of the characters are wizards, rock stars, or live on a cruise ship. Yes, the baby is cute, but she is like the ONLY thing that keeps this show alive. Also, the jokes are gross, weird, and just not funny at most times. The teenagers like Teddy and PJ both act really immature and Gabe sometimes is smarter than them. The parents also make some references to some material that younger kids would not understand or should be hearing. Plus most sitcoms are made for ages 7-14, and this one looks like 5-12. I would choose mostly any other sitcom over this one. any other show over this one.
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bigharrypotterfan8
kid, 10 years old
5
 
ery
good luck charlie is very funny. it is good for kids.
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MetaMarthMario ...
kid, 13 years old
9
 
There is too many references. In one episode, Teddy warns the parents not to have too much "fun" or else they get more kids. In another, they say that liked to play checkers, which obviously means sex. In another episode, they talk about "doing it", and the dad says "it means getting married". He said that because he didn't give any of his kids "the talk" yet. Also in the second part of that episode, they show a nude PJ, but the snowboard covers his...
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Bwahaha
kid, 12 years old
11
 
I hate it, but it's ok
I really don't think any of the "jokes" are inappropriate. I don't like the show, but it's okay. But I find it kind of stupid how the "main character" who is mentioned in the title is TWO and only makes really short appearances.
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cfiddes
parent of and 3 , 6 , 8 year old
6
 
Seems harmless. Kids seem balanced, not bratty.
Seemed harmless. Kids don't seem to have the same attitude I dislike in Zack and Cody, Hannah Montana & I-Carly. I will watch another episode or two before i give it the full okay for my 6 & 8 yr olds.
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gospurs57
adult
7
 
Good Luck Charlie, at its core, is a terrible attempt at an old-fashioned family comedy. The acting was terrible, the writing was bad, and there were hardly any funny moments in the first episode. Like The Suite Life on Deck, Good Luck Charlie is unbelievably corny and lacks the edginess that makes Nickelodeon's comedies cooler and funnier. This is the type of show that would be cool in the 70s, 80s, and 90s, but not in 2010 when iCarly is the #1 show in the country among kids (even beating American Idol). If Disney Channel wants Good Luck Charlie to survive as long as That's So Raven and Hannah Montana, they will have to re-tool it quite a bit to make the jokes funnier and to have the characters become less obsessed with giving the baby "good luck."
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Daisy15
kid, 13 years old
7
 
PLEASE DONT WATCH!!
Hate it! First off, I can see Disney is trying to make a realistic show for once, and it started out kinda realistic, but now it's just like any other Disney show...... unbelievable. And there are way too many innapropriate jokes & refrencess. One time, the mom said, "When your dad and I got married we didn't talk alot. We played checkers...... lots and lots of checkers." And I think you know what they're referring to. And they're always being irresponsible. In the last episode I watched, Teddy (the teenage daughter) and her friend were babysitting Charlie and the neighbors baby. While they were supposed to be watching the kids, Teddy and her friend put on a pair of very expensive dimond earrings, (wich were the mom's, not their's) and started fooling around in them. Later, when the girls take the kids to Build-A-Monkey, Teddy finds out that she accidentally wore the earrings there and lost one of them. I turned it after that, because I already knew Teddy wasn't going to get in trouble. It's a Disney Channel show, after all. None of the kids on there ever get in trouble.
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Mama2boys
parent of 2 and 9 year old
7
 
Cute and mildly entertaining safe family sitcom
This latest offering from Disney is a cute family sitcom that shows a family dealing humorously with change and working together. It is safe entertainment; nothing worrisome so far. I did find it mildly boring, but prefer to a lot of other options out there. My almost 9-year-old son thinks it is funny at times, but doesn’t go out of his way to see it.
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BigTimeRushlover
kid, 13 years old
5
 
love the show!!
i love this show. i watch it all the time, and since star Bridgit Mendler is one of my role models, and the show teaches what life is like to a family of 4 kids.
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