Mr. Bean

TV review by Melissa Camacho, Common Sense Media
Mr. Bean Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 10+

Popular British comedy has gags; some risqué moments.

Syndicated Comedy 1990
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Parents say

age 7+

Based on 5 reviews

Kids say

age 6+

Based on 30 reviews

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A Lot or a Little?

The parents' guide to what's in this TV show.

What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that Mr. Bean is a popular British comedy series that features lots of slapstick humor and running gags. While it's pretty mild, some of the sketches feature non-sexual bare bottoms (which aren't always blurred), and drinking. Gags occasionally lead to some crashes and bumps, but no one is seriously hurt, and while he doesn't talk much, rude hand gestures are almost made.

Community Reviews

Ryan Dooner
Ryan Dooner Adult
July 16, 2015
age 11+

Mr. Bean and his wild antics are a delightful treat for kids and adults alike!!

Mr. Bean is tongue in cheek British comedy that is absolutely hilarious! He is a bumbling but lovable mute man who just can't stop getting into predicaments. The show is harmless and will have kids laughing in a pinch. Trust me, this is side-splitting humor. Mr. Bean is extremely unpredictable and unlike any individual you or your kids have ever seen. The only objection you may have as a parent is the one or two occasions that Mr. Bean's naked rear end is seen but its played out for laughs. Also, sometimes Bean may seem self-driven and callous especially when he becomes competitive with a bystander or someone who comes close to outdoing or outwitting him in anything. He is very inept and makes decisions based on his own convenience and not based on the needs of others. My one caveat is that you please admonish your children if they start to imitate this simpleton. As a role model, Bean does not come through. However, Bean is hilarious and extremely memorable. You'll never forget certain episodes. We have the Best of Bean on DVD and watch it all the time. It never gets old. Some personal favorites of mine are the one where Bean is taking a test in a classroom, the one where Bean tries to overcome his fear of jumping off a swimming pool diving board, the one where Bean gets a turkey stuck to his head, the one where Bean is golfing and follows the ball way off the course and down a variety of other places, the one where Bean is forced to eat seafood that is absolutely repugnant, and the one where Bean books a stay at a swanky hotel. Bottom line: Bean never disappoints. And... Next time you face a quandary or get yourself in a bind(especially at a public venue) you won't feel as bad. My Aunt Kathy watches this program with my twin brother and I and laughs herself silly. She always tells us about a personal debacle that she faced and then adds... I'm like Bean. Once again, this is NOT lowbrow humor. This is dynamic comedy genius. It is a great show for both children and adult so please watch and you will enjoy!!!
1 person found this helpful.
Toooldforthis
Toooldforthis Adult
October 12, 2021
age 5+

Classic worth watching

It's interesting to rewatch this 30 years later. We didn't think anything at all about Mr Bean's bare bum or some wine. Even flipping the bird was no big deal. Times have changed. But also, there's cultural differences. In the US there's maybe less tolerance for things like that
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What's the Story?

MR. BEAN (1990-1995) is a British sketch comedy series starring Rowan Atkinson as Mr. Bean, a lovably mischievous adult who always finds interesting, child-like, and offbeat ways to deal with life's little problems. From getting his head stuck in a turkey while cooking Christmas dinner, to accidentally returning a baby to its mother by tying balloons to its carriage and watching it fly away, Mr. Bean lives his life unaware of his ability to turn every day trials into laughable moments, one disaster at a time.

Is It Any Good?

Mr. Bean, which is based on a quirky character that Atkinson developed while in graduate school, relies on running gags and slapstick humor for laughs. But what makes this show particularly noteworthy is that aside from rare repeat appearances of secondary characters, like girlfriend Irma Gobb (played by Matilda Ziegler), Atkinson successfully carries the show himself with little use of the spoken word.

The series serves as a study for those interested in physical comedy. In fact, US television sitcoms like Friends have borrowed a gag or two from Mr. Bean to score some laughs. But while the series is overall pretty mild, some folks may find a few of the sketches a little too risqué for younger viewers. But outside of these occasional moments, it offers lots of quirky entertainment for older kids and adults of all ages.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about comedy. What is the difference between stand up and slapstick? What is a running gag? What kind of training do people have to have in order to be good at it? Is it hard for people to be successful comedians?

  • When does comedy go from being funny to being stereotypical and/or offensive? Why are some TV shows and films considered funny in other countries, but not in the United States (and vice versa)?

TV Details

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