I have a hard time thinking of an age group for which this show would be appropriate. Adults are above the cheesy outfits and content, and there's too many sexual references for me to justify subjecting my 8 and 9-year-olds to it. In the first episode alone, there was the unnecessary use of the words 'homosexual' and 'lesbian' (there's no need for that in a TV show for kids. There was also a "strip club" featured in it (not ACTUAL stripping was going on in the show, but the dancer was highly suggestive, if not raunchy). In my role as a parent, I have to be the one suggesting shows for my kids to watch, and nothing in this first episode makes me want to affirm this show to my kids. There is nothing "family" about this show except fot the name of the TV station (i.e. ABC Family). Sorry.
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The Middleman
(Rated TV-14, Comedy, Starring Matt Keeslar, Natalie Morales, Mary Pat Gleason, Where to watch: ABC Family, DVD)
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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 9, age appropriate for kids over 11; suggested age 11. -
Is it any good?
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Common Sense says
Comic book-based action series is quirky and fun.
Why We Rated This 
for Ages 11 and Up
The good stuff
What to watch out for
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Violence:
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Sex:
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Language:
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Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
What Parents Need to Know
About The Middleman
Parents need to know that this tongue-in-cheek adventure show is based on a series of graphic novels. It takes pains to bring that comic-book atmosphere to the screen, so expect lots of over-the-top situations, plenty of strange characters, action sequences played for laughs instead of thrills, frequent pop culture references, and a hero whose main strength seems to be his ability to accept the unbelievable without batting an eye. Aside from the cartoony violence (which includes weapon use) and a bit of innuendo (there's some speculation about the sexuality of one character's boyfriend), there's not much for parents to worry about here -- unless being required to suspend your disbelief much more than usual is an issue.
Read our full review by Will Wade
Families Can Talk About
- Families can talk about comic book heroes. The Middleman isn't your average super hero -- do you think that makes his character less interesting than heroes who fall closer to the Superman/Spider-man/Batman model? Do you think there's room for more than one kind of hero in comic books or on screen? Why are so many comics made into movies or TV shows? There are many kinds of comics -- do some work better than others on the screen? Why?
Our Members Say
See all 6 member reviews
Most Recent Reviews
- I rate this title iffy for age 10 and give itMy concerns are:
- Inappropriate sexual content
- My highlights are:
Kids under 11 should NOT watch this show
- I rate this title iffy for age 7 and give itMy concerns are:
- Inappropriate language
Not quite sure
I'm not exactly sure but like in the poilet they were doing a lot of bleeps so i don't know but it was a funny show.I never see it on tv anymore so that basicly sucks
- I rate this title on for age 2 and give it
This is a great show!
I watched this show and I love it! It's so worth watching!
- I rate this title on for age 2 and give it
- I rate this title on for age 8 and give it
Quirky but our whole family likes it
Our 7, 9 & 11 year olds all loved this show. It has quirky plots and characters that the kids really enjoyed. The Middleman is a model "goody two shoes" complete with old fashioned morals & sayings like "Golly gee whiz." His young modern sidekick questions his old fashioned moral way of dealing with things, but finds out he's often right. The humor is like the old Bugs Bunny cartoons -- younger kids get the physical humor and basic jokes. Older kids and adults catch more of the quick one liners. The violence isn't the focus of the show and it's done like a parody of Men in Black and other action films. If you're looking for a safe, non-Disneyish show for kids to move on to, this is one of them. Also if your older kids were interested in the show Pushing Daisies, but not quite ready for that content, this is a good alternative.
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Ratings at a Glance
| 100% | of parents say it gives kids positive messages |
| 100% | of parents say the sexual behavior isn't age appropriate |
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