Parents need to know that this upbeat sitcom’s generally age-appropriate content makes it a fine choice for older tweens and teens. The mildly dysfunctional Gallagher clan deals with common family issues like differences of opinion and effective communication, but the show’s lighthearted spin makes it all relatable and even fun. Occasional episodes touch on issues like underage drinking and driving without a license, but overall the show is one of ABC Family's milder offerings. Adults (especially those old enough to recall The Partridge Family) will get an extra kick out of David Cassidy’s portrayal of a singer who refuses to acknowledge that his heyday is past.
Positive messages:The Gallaghers struggle with issues similar to those of many families, including differing opinions, unfulfilled expectations, and anger. But through it all they strive to communicate and to consider one others’ feelings.
Positive role models:Ruby’s aunt and uncle are a loving couple who welcome her into their lives when her newly found father shirks his responsibility to her. That said, while David has a difficult time seeing past his own ego to learn what it takes to be a parent, he expresses his feelings for Ruby in meaningful -- if unconventional -- ways. The newly reunited father and daughter make compromises and take steps to build a relationship. Ruby herself sometimes pushes boundaries -- driving a car without a license, for instance.
The language is not very strong, but there is cursing that includes a**, h**l, and b*****(only in TV-14 episodes) Each episode has a very infrequent use of these. There is a INNOCENT crush throughout the show. I will tell you the truth. I usaully hate shows like this (hannah montana, wizards of waverly place, etc). Most of the characters in the show are generally good role models.
We watched the first few episodes of Ruby and were encouraged. Our daughters are 8 and 11 and are big Disney Channel fans. Sadly this show has taken a turn. Last week's episode on under age drinking was handled in a non constructive manner and just came off as flip. This week's episode took the cake, though. The use of foul language (a**, b**ch) are bad enough, but making Ruby's love interest gay was something I didn't want to talk to my 8 year old about. Also the way he "came out" to Ruby was also another example of how this show takes a big issue and just makes a crass, uneducated joke about it. I was super disappointed in ABC Family for allowing this.
Very cute show with positive messages. There are not many shows on tv these days that deal with all kinds of family situations without being too intense. This is light goofy comedy for the whole family.
I watched the first few episodes with my daughters, ages 9 and 13. We stopped watching after the episode dealing with underage drinking. To say that they treated this extremely sensitive topic in a flip manner doesn't go far enough. The teenaged cousin of the main character lied to his parents so he could go to a party and get drunk. His ride also got drunk and there are so many drunken parties at the address that the "taxi won't go there anymore". He called the title character, who doesn't have a license, to pick him up. She brought her younger cousin in the car also.
When they got caught, the main problem was that the title character had taken a brand-new car. Really. That is what they cared about. The underage drinking was treated like no problem, because he didn't drive. The fact that she drove, with a child in the car, even though she didn't have a license wasn't a problem.
We will never watch this show again. I hope that the impression left by the show is not what my children remember.
Parents too much like friends, not parents.
Too much back talk and insulting by the boys to their parents. Ruby's father is too much immature and encouraging bad behavior in his daughter. There is something wrong when a daughter has to lecture the father about behavior. Jokes too silly and storylines predictable and seen on other sitcoms before.
We watched the pilot and was very encouraged. Seemed "okay" nothing harmful. Tonight's episode was terrible. Ruby creates a sophisticated lie to cover up stealing her uncle's car because her cousin, a young high school student, is drunk at a keg party. I was terribly disappointed that a close-enough family show had to ruin it so quickly. This might be a good message for someone going into 8th or 9th grade, though they probably would not be attracted to this show.
Perfect for all, say above 4. VERY indicative of real familes
Love it. Highlight of the week. wonderful singing, comedic talent, innocent, speaks to all families, good, clean, fun. Just what the Dr. ordered.
Not to mention the cohesion of all 4 Cassidy Brothers and a wonderful example that that gives, of strong, bonded, familial unit!
Ruby & the Rockits is a show with clean content and positive messages. It's an okay show to watch before America's Got Talent, but it's not must-see TV. It's on the same level as Hannah Montana in terms of sitcom clichés and predictability. The show has its funny moments, but most of the dialogue is corny and bland. Luckily, the decent acting saves it from being any worse. "Quickly dropped into the gutter" should refer to raunchy sex jokes, not clean comedy. Whoever finds this clean show objectionable is over-protective. I personally think iCarly is funnier than Ruby & the Rockits and I'd rather watch Millionaire instead of this.
I have watched the first two episodes, and find the show slightly dull and not very funny. The father is a bad rolemodel and again, it's not that funny!
I love this show, but it's only been the first episode...so I'm not really sure whether the content is bad or not. I know for sure that the first episode is safe. However in the second, apparently a boy crushes on his cousin.. which may seem awkward and disturbing. But, Ruby is a good role model, making sure family comes first and by connecting the family back together.
Love it and love to watch it with my daughter. This weeks episode threw me off because there was particularly bad language in the dialogue. Also, they introduced a homosexual character. I feel like I'm going to have to pre-screen episodes from now on. Who has the time?
The last episode had Jordan getting drunk, Ruby driving a car w/o a license, and the word "boobs" was used. Maybe 11+ is better - this is not for small children.