 | 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. |
Married... With Children
- FX, Syndicated
- Genre: Comedy
Common Sense Media says
The Bundys are still outrageous. Teens and up.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this show -- which was purposely designed to test the boundaries of network primetime TV -- mines adult themes for laughs; caution is recommended when allowing tweens and young teens to watch. References to sexual behavior (including masturbation) fly fast and furiously, there are crude references to body parts and homosexuality, and characters constantly insult and belittle each other. All of that said, hidden under the insults and tight clothes is a nuclear family that cares about each other.
What's the story?
MARRIED... WITH CHILDREN -- which has the distinction of being the very first original primetime show to air on the Fox network -- is a sitcom that puts a unique twist on the idea of "family values" by celebrating the Bundys, a significantly flawed working-class nuclear family from Chicago. Lazy, unlucky shoe salesman Al Bundy (Ed O'Neill) heads up the family; his college football career was cut short when he was forced to marry tacky, undereducated girlfriend Peggy (Katey Sagal) after knocking her up. Their sexed-up teenage daughter, Kelly (Christina Applegate), personifies the "blonde bimbo" stereotype; younger brother Bud (David Faustino) is an intelligent young man who repels girls. Peggy, Kelly, and Bud often get roped into Al's efforts to achieve fame and fortune by participating in half-witted schemes that usually fail -- and they're always the first to tell him "I told you so." Rounding out the crew are Yuppie neighbor Marcy and Steve Rhoades (Amanda Bearse and David Garrison, who was later replaced by Ted McGinley as Marcy's second husband, Jefferson).
Is it any good?
Meant to serve as a critique of the perfect, unrealistic families often seen on network TV, Married... With Children constantly pushes the envelope with its bathroom humor and over-the-top sexual innuendo. Al's sexist references to "hooters," demeaning homosexual stereotypes, and allusions to masturbation are comedic staples throughout the series -- as is Peggy's non-stop whining about never getting any sex from Al. The Bundys are also are constant schemers and don't hesitate to take advantage of each other if it helps them get ahead.
But even though the show comes across as being anti-"family values" on the surface, it actually supports the idea of a family that, while seriously flawed, cares deeply about each other. Al is vocal about "liking his family," while Peggy is very clear about the love she feels for her husband. The kids, while often embarrassed by their father, are always there to support him when it counts, and both siblings defend each other against others despite their constant rivalry. As a result, while the Bundys may not be perfect, the importance and strength of family is a strong theme throughout the series.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about their own flaws and strengths. While no family is perfect, what are the great things about your family? What are some of the talents your family members have? Families can also talk about the inappropriateness of stereotypes and sexist references. What are people really saying when they use stereotypes to describe a person? Parents and teens can also talk about the Bundys' relationships. Why do they resort to name-calling and insults so often? How can you tell that they really do care about each other?
- Show:
- All members
- Parents
- Teens & kids
Kid, 12 years old
July 29, 2010
AGE
off for kids at none, iffy for kids 12 and under, on for kids 13 and over
iffy for kids ages 2-12.
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AGE
off for kids at none, iffy for kids 12 and under, on for kids 13 and over
iffy for kids ages 2-12.
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Kid, 11 years old
July 29, 2010
AGE
off for kids at none, iffy for kids 12 and under, on for kids 13 and over
iffy for kids ages 2-12.
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Kid, 12 years old
March 4, 2010
AGE
not really a good show for kids
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Kid, 12 years old
April 6, 2010
AGE
America’s is better
Great for 12.5/555 but not for 0/12.4.
I think it is okay for 6.1 year olds and up
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AGE
Classic, dry, hilarious show rarely dissapoints
I recently started watching MWC not too long ago, but have developed an addiction to it. Al Bundy steals the show, with his dry, sometimes cruel humor that still makes people world-wide laugh out loud. The Bundy's were the first sitcom to show the Cosbys the door and laugh at them. Fantastic show.
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Kid, 12 years old
July 7, 2010
AGE
e.g. off for nothing, iffy for 12 and under, and on for 13 and over.
a little OK, remebember that They one use of "f--k" (in one episode), plus one use of "s--t" bleeped plus four uses of sh-- unbleeped (frist, The #1 uses s--t. next, The #2 Guy uses the word of s--t. then, The #1 Girl Uses the word of s---t. And Last, the #2 Girl used s--t) and "god---n","son of a b--ch","f--ny","b--ty","S*ik?","Shima~Tsu ta","idiota(as an insult)". the words are "s--ty","oh my f--king god","s--t","basta--","as--ole".
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AGE
Ok for teens
To sexy, daddy always watches it. kinda clever, not to good, but funny and shows you what not to do in life. Makes me laugh still, there is worse.
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AGE
great show just not for children unlless 12 and up that is!
this is one of my fave shows its funny cool its about a family thats so dsyfunctional and i love it but its not really a show for the younger viewers the best age for a kid or your kid if you have a child the best age for your child youngster to see it would probabley be uh about 12 and up so when there 12 or almost 13 thats atleast the best age for a child to watch MWC if i had children which no i don't have any but if i did i would'nt let them watch this show its way too mature for a 7 yr old to see or a 5 yr old but when they get older 12 or 13 leta say i would approve for them to watch it yes its a great show but not for younger kids!
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| TV rating: | TV-PG |
| Networks: | FX, Syndicated |
| Cast: | Christina Applegate, Ed O'Neill, Katey Sagal |
| Genre: | Comedy |
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