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Happy Days (Syndicated, The Hub)

common sense media says

Aaaaay! Classic feel-good sitcom is hokey but fun.

parents & educators say
  • 75% say there are positive role models
  • 75% say there are positive messages
See all 8 reviews | Review it

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this landmark '50s-set sitcom (which originally aired from the mid-'70s to the mid-'80s) is squeaky clean, especially by today's primetime standards. Although the show is definitely still funny a few decades down the line and will appeal to adults who remember it fondly, today's kids may not be able to relate to some of the scenarios it portrays and may find the dialogue trite or cheesy.

Positive messages: The Cunninghams are close and supportive of each other and their extended family (including Fonzie). Most of their problems are mild (the kind that are neatly solved within a half-hour episode). That said, the show does tend to reinforce the idealistic (and unrealistic) way we tend to view the '50s.
Violence & scariness: The friends get into benign, almost-simulated fistfights from time to time. In later seasons, Richie joins the army.
Sexy stuff: Plenty of dating and flirting, but it's all really tame.
Language: Jeepers, these kids are clean!
Consumerism: Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not applicable.
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

More on Happy Days

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about how TV has changed over the years. How are the situations seen in shows from the '60s and '70s different from what's onscreen today? Are the underlying problems the characters deal with all that different, or it is just that viewers have gotten more accepting of crass dialogue and mature situations over the years? How does the show idealize the '50s? Is the show any less appealing because of that idealism? What might a more realistic '50s-set sitcom be like?

What's the story?

What's the story?
Set in a sanitized, idealized version of the 1950s, HAPPY DAYS centers on the life of the middle-class Cunningham family and follows the ups and downs they weather together in Milwaukee, Wisc. One of TV's truly classic comedies, it originally aired from 1974-1984 and is responsible for several spin-offs (including Laverne & Shirley), as well as one of pop culture's most iconic characters: Arthur "Fonzie" Fonzarelli (Henry Winkler) began his TV life as a local thug, but he quickly morphed into the Cunninghams' family friend, growing particularly close to clean-cut son Richie (Ron Howard). Richie's parents -- hardware store owner Howard "Mr. C" Cunningham (Tom Bosley) and homemaker Marion "Mrs. C" Cunningham (Marion Ross) -- hold down the fort, while Richie and his younger sister, Joanie (Erin Moran) cope with growing up. Rounding out the group are Fonzie's cousin Chachi (Scott Baio) and Richie's buddies Ralph Malph (Don Most) and Potsie (Anson Williams).

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 

Among the scenes that take place at the local drive-in and diner are situations that revolve around comic confusion and misunderstanding, which is still a popular plot device in today's sitcoms. But it's all a lot more innocent that what might appear on an ensemble sitcom like Friends or Cheers. In one episode, for example, Ralph and Potsie go to great lengths to hide the fact that they left the Cunninghams' gate open, allowing Fonzie's new dog to escape.

Happy Days has always been perfect for family viewing (and always will be, despite that whole idealizing-the-'50s thing), but the dated settings and situations may conspire to have tweens and older kids leaving it off their personal must-see list.

TV themes & details

TV Details
TV Rating: TV-G
Network: Syndicated
Cast: Henry Winkler, Ron Howard, Tom Bosley
Genre: Comedy
Where to watch: Syndicated
This review was written by Lucy Maher
 
 

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What parents & educators say

9
Based on 4 parent & educator reviews:
  • 75% say there are positive role models
  • 75% say there are positive messages
Read the reviews

Most useful reviews by all members

amyrosegal
kid, 11 years old
7
 
BEST SHOW EVER
This is my fave show eva! My whole family watches it!
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Mitestarossa
parent
12
 
I rented the first season to watch with my 7 and 11 year olds. It was definitely not for their age group. The boys are focused on undoing girls bras and getting hickeys and going all the way. In one episode Richie gets drunk.
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HSMlovr
teen, 16 years old
 
Happy Days is an iffy show for children under the age or 12. This show is about guys trying to get girls to go out with them. It's not a real wholesome show. My parents didn't allow me to watch untill I was 12 and even then they were still kind of iffy about it. I hope this helped!
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Rockybalboa211
adult
10
 
One of the best family shows of the 70's.
To the person who commented before me, I would like to ask a question. Why would you show your children the first season of Happy Days? The first season is defintely not for children under the age of 10 (More for teenagers). If you want to watch suitable seasons try 3 - 9. These are more classic sitcom oriented, and contain most of the classic episodes of this amazing show. It really is a very wholesome show! I mean, not as wholesome as "The Cosby Show" or "Little House of the Prarie", yet it is still a nice family show. Overall, Richie is a very good role model and Fonzie beats up the bad guys! It is a true disservice to future generations if you don't introduce them to the Fonzie Character. If you keep your children away from this amazing sitcom, then sit on it! :D
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cooldude1234
teen, 14 years old
12
 
great but iffy
This show is not a squeaky clean show it is all about boys who want to make out park undo shirts go to clubs etc so even though it's great it's not for young kids and
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JimmyH
parent of 11 and 13 year old
6
 
.
Perfect!
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SuperJoe
adult
 
Comedy for all the family
This is a clean, innofensive situation comedy.
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howrselover
teen, 13 years old
8
 
sometimes racy
In some episodes it is too racy for younger kids.....but in others it's just fine!
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