Tools for this page
Print

Kath & Kim (U.S.)

(Rated TV-14, Comedy, Starring Selma Blair, Molly Shannon, John Michael Higgins, Where to watch: NBC, DVD, Online)

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

    (Flash is loading. If this text does not disappear you need to install the latest flash version)

    Not age appropriate for kids under 14, age appropriate for kids over 18; suggested age 14.

  • Is it any good?

    3.0

  • Common Sense says

    Dysfunctional family comedy needs a reality check.

Themes in this show include:   dating/crushes, family relationships, growing up

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 14–18

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    The main characters are self-absorbed, image-obsessed women whose passions include shopping, critiquing celebrities, and micro-analyzing their romantic relationships. Kim is an unemployed high school dropout who goes back to living off her mother when leaves her husband after he suggests she do some light cooking. Kath allows her daughter to continue her spoiled ways by catering to her juvenile demands. Kim's coping strategy for stress and unhappiness is to eat junk food (candy, chips, cookies, etc.).

  • Violence:

    Not an issue.

  • Sex:

    Multiple references to sexual encounters; in one scene, a woman says she and her boyfriend "shared a night of passion." Women wear tight, revealing clothing, and thong underwear is sometimes visible above low-cut shorts. Kath often dons thong leotards over spandex to work out.

  • Language:

    "Bitch" and "ass" are used sporadically. Some name-calling along the lines of "he's a douche."

  • Consumerism:

    Lots of mention of brand names within the context of the plot, including Doritos, Curves, and Applebee's.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Adults often drink in clubs and at home to relax.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Kath & Kim (U.S.)

Parents need to know that the main characters in this sitcom are an image-obsessed, celebrity-crazed mother/daughter duo who use shopping, junk food, and alcohol to cope with what they see as the harsh realities of their pampered lifestyle. Forty-something Kath is easily manipulated by her spoiled, lazy daughter and makes little effort to force her to face adult responsibilities, instead enabling her dependence by catering to her whiny demands. Frequent references to sexual activity and scenes of alcohol consumption probably won't be new to teens, but they add to the show's iffy messages about the realities of adulthood. If you decide to watch with your teens, be sure to plan for a few reality checks.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about the show's messages. What does this series say about how adults should act? Does it have different messages for different stages of life (early adulthood vs. middle age)? Is any of the show's content relatable to you? If so, what? If a movie or TV show is clearly a comedy, does that relieve it of any responsibility for promoting good messages? Parents and teens can take this opportunity to discuss their own values and expectations of each other.
Tools and tips that can help

Want more? Get Common Sense recommendations delivered to your inbox.

Our Members Say

Have you seen it? Review It!

  • What did you think about Kath & Kim (U.S.)?

  •  I think this show is

    for ages

  •  I also give it

  •  Any concerns?

  •  Any highlights?

  •  Love it? Hate it?

  • or to post a review

Most Recent Reviews

  1. Teen Reviewer Age 13
    Brianna400
    Lives in California
    I rate this title on for age 9 and give it 5.0

    so funny!!

    this show is so laughn out loud funny

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
    Flag as inappropriate

More Great Stuff For Your Kids

  • Most Popular This Week

    New Moon Is Rising

    New Moon Is Rising

    Fans are gearing up for the 11/20 release.

  • Tech Tip

    How to help them think more ... and want less.Making the Sale

    How to help them think more ... and want less.

  • Book of the Week

    Age 10+
    Million-Dollar Throw

    Million-Dollar Throw

    Another Lupica sensitive dad/son sports story.

  • Issue Spotlight

    The 10 Most Violent Video Games (And 10 Alternatives)

    The 10 Most Violent Video Games (And 10 Alternatives)

    Our video game experts weigh in.

  • Download This

    Age 3+
    "Wash Your Hands" (CD single)

    "Wash Your Hands" (CD single)

    "Acccchhhoooo!" A funny reminder to help kids fight the flu.

Give Us a Minute, Get a Lot of Common Sense!
  • Age-appropriate best bets for your kids
  • Weekly email alert with the latest picks, reviews & advice
  • Post your own reviews and share them with friends
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
A screen name protects your privacy
(It's free!)

Already a member? Log in
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.
To post a review or comment you must become a Common Sense Member. It's easy!
Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations.
A screen name protects your privacy
Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
(optional)
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child

Already a member? Log in
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.
We can make Common Sense just right for you. With a little info about you and your family, you'll get the most out of our site.
Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!
Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child
Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations
A screen name protects your privacy
Already a member? Log in
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.
Register to add this school to your profile. You'll be able to see and share reviews from parents, teachers, and kids at your child's school.
I'm already a Common Sense member.
Kids under 13 must use a screen name
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.