Roseanne (Nickelodeon, Oxygen, Syndicated)

common sense media says

Mature, blue-collar family sitcom; teens OK.

parents & educators say

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this series is fraught with strong language, fiery arguments, and examples of poor lifestyle choices -- most of it coming from the parents. Although it's clear that family members love one another, theirs are not "warm fuzzy" relations. The dominant character, Roseanne, relies on sarcasm and belittling comments in relating to her husband and disciplining her kids. Both parents are obese and show no intention of altering their diet or activity to improve their health.

Positive messages: The parents are a loving, hard-working couple trying to make ends meet and do the best they can for their kids, but their lifestyle and questionable parenting tactics don't make them great role models.

Violence: Not applicable.

Sex: Comments about a girl slipping her boyfriend the tongue, going on the pill, and having sex are part of typical household conversation.

Language: Adults and teens alike use strong language like "bitch," "damn," "ass," and "suck." Moderately graphic talk about sexual issues are common.

Consumerism: Brandless junk food (soda, chips, candy) is a staple in the household.

Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Adults often kick back with a beer (or six) after work or in social gatherings, but there's no underage drinking. Occasionally an adult character will smoke, but again, it's limited to the over-21 crowd.

Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

What to talk about

Talk to your kids

Families can talk about how the family is similar to or different from their own. Do the members of your family talk to each other like the Conners do? Has your family faced any of the issues that the series highlights? How have you handled them? Families also can discuss diet and exercise and why it's important to make good choices for your health.

What's the story?

ROSEANNE is an unusually realistic look at the family life of working-class Americans, bringing to light their challenges in balancing the demands of work and home. The Conners of fictional Lanford, Illinois, are a typical blue-collar family of five living on a tight budget and struggling to keep their heads above water. Dan (John Goodman) works hard to provide for his family, and Roseanne (Roseanne Barr) chips in where she can, taking various minimum-wage jobs at factories and fast-food restaurants. Meanwhile, their three kids -- Becky (Lecy Goranson/Sarah Chalke), Darlene (Sara Gilbert), and DJ (Michael Fishman) -- are growing up, and keeping pace with their changing needs is another full-time job. Roseanne's sister, Jackie (Laurie Metcalf), practically lives with the Conners as well, often requiring as much guidance as the kids.

Is it any good?

Roseanne's plotlines can be mature, tackling issues like sex, poverty, homosexuality, and unplanned pregnancy. Characters speak frankly about any and all subjects, and parents will want to preview a few episodes to determine whether their tweens or teens are ready for the subject matter.

As a mother, wise-cracking butt-insky Roseanne personifies "tough love." She domineers her kids and Dan, and she manipulates situations to get her way. Dan often finds himself left out of decisions that involve the household, which leads to heated arguments. But even though she'll never win parent of the year, it's clear that Roseanne's love for her family is her strongest motivation.

TV themes & details

TV Details

TV Rating: TV-PG
Network: Nickelodeon
Cast: John Goodman, Roseanne Barr, Sarah Chalke
Genre: Comedy
Where to watch: Nickelodeon

This review was written by Emily Ashby

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What parents & educators say

Most useful reviews by all members

ExerSarah
parent of 12 year old

Disagree with Common Sense Review

I'm sorry, but I am completely offended by the "Common Sense" review. You say, "Both parents are obese and show no intention of altering their diet or activity to improve their health." First of all, the fact that Dan and Roseanne are overweight is not a huge focus of the show, and when it is, the portayals of their struggles with their weight issues are realistic. They certainly don't revel in being overweight, and your review makes it sound as they glorify it. How completely far from the truth. Your review should not have even touched on this topic.

TV Details

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Genre

Roseanne (Nickelodeon, Oxygen, Syndicated)

common sense media says

parents & educators say

What parents need to know

More on Roseanne

What to talk about

Talk to your kids

What's the story?

What's the story?

Is it any good?

Is it any good?

TV themes & details

TV Details

Review It

Review Roseanne

What parents & educators say

Most useful reviews by all members

Disagree with Common Sense Review

all ages allowed

CSM ERROR

CSM ERROR

CSM ERROR

7+

VERY VERY VERY FUNNY SHOW

TV-14-DLSV

Tweens

Language

Language

Language

I love it but it may not be good for younger kids

Very good show for children 11-18

one of the best shows of the century

Way Great

Roseanne is the best show in T.V. History

A really great show!!

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