 | 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. |
Malcolm in the Middle
- Fox, Syndicated
- Genre: Comedy
Common Sense Media says
Quirky, off-the-wall family humor; OK for teens.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this comedy series pushes the envelope on irreverence, and the humor can be crude and/or risqué. At the same time, Malcolm is an intelligent main character, facing many of the challenges of growing up and fitting in that your own kids may face. The show puts family dysfunction and sibling rivalry in the spotlight.
What's the story?
The cynical, funny title character (Frankie Muniz) of MALCOLM IN THE MIDDLE has a genius IQ and is placed in his school's gifted program despite the fact that he'd rather be just a normal kid. Malcolm's family -- which includes devilish brothers Reese (Justin Berfield), Dewey (Erik Per Sullivan), and Francis (Christopher Masterson); goofy dad Hal (Bryan Cranston); and controlling mother Lois (Jane Kaczmarek) -- is just about coming apart at the seams, yet somehow it hangs together. The kids -- and their parents -- routinely embarrass each other, misbehave, play foolhardy pranks, and cause mayhem and destruction.
Is it any good?
For some viewers, this show's subject matter may provide a welcome alternative to the predictable plots and simplistic conclusions served up by many traditional family sitcoms. Some episodes are clever and endearing -- showing how kids deal with the perceived injustices of growing up -- while others highlight how the family pulls together in hilarious ways. The show often brings to light how, at times, parents' rules are no match for children's curiosity.
Malcolm in the Middle may be one of the loudest shows on TV, one reason parents may have difficulty determining whether their kids should watch or not. Since situations concerning Malcolm's parents can involve adult humor, the show is perhaps best viewed by parents and mature teens.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about the unusual ways in which Malcolm's family expresses their love for each other. Does that hold true in your family?
Are Lois' reactions and disciplinary tactics realistic? How does exaggeration make something funny?
- Show:
- All members
- Parents
- Teens & kids
AGE
funny, but needs parental guidance
We, as a family, watched the show a few years back and it wasn't quite so objectionable then. As the kids in the show have aged--and time has gone on, it has gotten more controversial. The subject matter is not, in my opinion, for kids under about age 12...Unless you want them exposed to drug references, sexual discussion and references, etc. The language isn't necessary either, to make the show funny.
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Kid, 12 years old
August 22, 2011
AGE
Really good show!
I don't see any problem with letting someone that is 10+ watch the show. Why are all you people in my age range acting like its extremely bad for kids? If this is violent to you, try watching Dexter instead. Your jaw will drop.
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AGE
One of the best!
I love this show, to bad they don't put it on tv anymore. Its really funny,and a great family tv show!
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Kid, 12 years old
November 19, 2011
AGE
Totally inapropriate!
This show is totally inappropriate!
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AGE
Thre is really nothing bad about this show
Watch every episode and it will be funny and
There is really nothing bad about .
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AGE
i haven't that many episodes, but very funny and not that bad.
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Kid, 12 years old
October 23, 2010
AGE
Just Don't Talk to Anyone...If you want to go to common sense media...you don't have to, we all know better.
on CSM, If you search "Malcolm in the Middle","Family Matters","George Lopez","Roseanne","Home Improvement","Everybody Hates Crhis"... you'll be alright. If you search "!@#$%^&*()_+", maybe not. The Most Inappropriate Thing on CommonSense Media gets this a No 12th grade or Under Zone... just don't look for inappropriate words.
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AGE
Love it
Malcolm in the middle is a grate show but sometimes it gets a little crazy and viloent.But other than that it rocks for tweens and teenagers.But not for kids under nine.
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AGE
As an adult, I can appreciate the wit and humor, but I don't want my kids exposed. I was surprised Nick has included this show in it's lineup. There isn't one character that I would be okay letting my kids learn anything from.
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Kid, 12 years old
December 11, 2009
AGE
Rated MA, tvpg and tvadult
BAD BAD BAD BAD BAD BAD ABD BAD BAD BAD BAD
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| TV rating: | TV-PG |
| Networks: | Fox, Syndicated |
| Cast: | Bryan Cranston, Frankie Muniz, Jane Kaczmarek |
| Genre: | Comedy |
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