I Dream of Jeannie

Review

Common Sense Media says

Classic comedy offers laughs, sexist stereotypes.
greenON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
yellowPAUSE: Know your child; some content
may not be right for some kids.
redOFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
not for kidsNOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age.

Find out more

Quality
 
Sometimes media can be age appropriate but a real waste of time. Our star rating assesses the media's overall quality.

Find out more

Parents say

Not yet rated

Kids say

Not yet rated

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this classic comedy series features some dated messages about gender roles. It's family-friendly, but does contain some very mild sexual innuendo (especially mild by today’s standards). Champagne, wine, hard liquor, and smoking is occasionally visible.

  • Positive messages0
    The series reflects the values of its time, including now-dated gender roles and sexist stereotypes.
  • Positive role models0
    Major Nelson and Jeannie have a genuine affection for each other. Major Nelson and Major Healey are loyal friends. Healey sometimes attempts to use Jeannie's powers to make money.
  • Violence1
    Contains some mild pushing, shoving, punching, and references to torture. Jeannie occasionally uses her powers to punish people for what they want (or don’t want) to do.
  • Sex1
    Contains some very mild sexual innuendo. Jeannie’s outfit reveals her mid torso, and in later seasons, her navel.
  • Language0
    Not applicable.
  • Consumerism0
    Not applicable.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking3
    Occasionally drinking (wine, hard liquor, champagne) is visible. As is typical for the time, characters occasionally smoke cigarettes and cigars.
CloseExpand to see more details

What's the story?

The classic comedy I DREAM OF JEANNIE, which originally aired from 1965-1970, features Barbara Eden as Jeannie, a 2000+ year old genie who was released from her bottle after being found on a desert island by astronaut and Air Force Major Anthony Nelson (Larry Hagman). After helping him back to his Cocoa Beach, Florida home, Jeannie convinces Major Nelson to become her new Master. Things get crazy as the Major tries to keep her existence a secret while she misguidedly uses her powers to help him whenever she thinks he’s in a bind. Despite the help of friend and colleague Major Roger Healey (Bill Daily), Jeannie’s presence manages to raise the suspicion of NASA psychiatrist Dr. Alfred Bellows (Hayden Rorke), who is intent on proving that Major Nelson is suffering from delusions.

Is it any good?

 

The show’s plotlines surrounding Jeannie’s efforts to please her master and her attempts to keep him away from other women reflect some of the female gender roles and stereotypes of the time. Feminine sex appeal (characterized by Jeannie’s curve-revealing harem outfit) and a woman’s desire to get married are also highlighted throughout the series’ five-year run.

Some of its messages are definitely dated, and unlike shows that aired simultaneously, including Bewitched and Get Smart, it fails to address some of the social transitions of the time. But its likable characters, fantasy-oriented storylines, and running gags still make it a classic favorite.

Sign Up Message
Sign up for our weekly newsletter
Each week we send a customized newsletter to our parent and teen subscribers. Parents can customize their settings to receive recommendations and parent tips based on their kids’ ages. Teens receive a version just for them with the latest reviews and top picks for movies, video games, apps, music, books, and more.
Please enter an email address.
Please check your email address for possible typos.
Sorry, you must be 13 or older to subscribe to our weekly newsletter.
Sign me up!

What families can talk about

Families can talk about how women's changing role in society has been depicted in the media over the years. How has that portrayal changed in the time since this show originally aired? Do you think there are things that have stayed the same? If so, what?

This review was written by Melissa Camacho
Teen, 15 years old
January 31, 2011
AGE
10
 
Nice show
I watched a few episodes on YouTube abs it was nice. There is little sex: there is some mild innuendo, but it's no big deal. Jeanie does wear a revealing outfit, though. There is drinking and smoking, but it was okay on a kids' show back then.
Was this review useful?
Helped me decide (6) | Had useful details (4) | Read my mind (5)
Flag as inappropriate 
Parent of 2, 4, and 6 year old
January 11, 2011
AGE
10
 
Love it!!
I love this show it is funny and it makes you want more too bad they are all reruns of course all good things must come to an end!!!
Was this review useful?
Helped me decide (4) | Had useful details (2) | Read my mind (3)
Flag as inappropriate 
See all user reviews
This review was written by Melissa Camacho
Topics:friendship
TV rating:TV-G
Networks:Nickelodeon, Syndicated, WGN
Cast:Barbara Eden, Bill Daily, Larry Hagman
Genre:Comedy
This review was written by Melissa Camacho
 

Review It

Share your review with others

Hang on! You need to be a member to post your review.
A safe community is important to us. Please observe our guidelines.
About our rating system
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.
Learning ratings
BEST: Really engaging, great learning approach.
GOOD: Pretty engaging, good learning approach.
FAIR: Somewhat engaging, OK learning approach.
NOT FOR LEARNING: Not recommended for learning.
Our child development rating guidelines

Great alternatives handpicked by our editors

Other classic TV
For kids who love classic TV
Browse more TV
 

vote now

Will you see I Dream of Jeannie?

Won't miss it
We'll try
Change it

Already seen it? What do you think?

I recommend it
It's a pass
 
More from Common Sense Media
Age-appropriate reviews
Top advice and articles

Been There? Tell us about it