 | 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. |
Sanford and Son
- Syndicated, TV Land
- Genre: Comedy
Common Sense Media says
70s classic offers laughs -- and stereotypes.
Parents say
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this classic '70s sitcom is based on the strong bond between an aging father and his adult son. While their relationship is a positive one, the son often finds himself taking on the parental role when things go wrong. Parents should also know that while the show's language and situations are mild when compared with today's sitcoms, Fred Sanford's consistent use of race-based insults and stereotypes make him a less-than-desirable role model -- and make the series better-suited for kids who can understand its original context.
What's the story?
Classic 1970s sitcom SANFORD AND SON follows the exploits of a father-son team of junk dealers in L.A.'s working-class Watts neighborhood. Redd Foxx stars as cantankerous widower Fred Sanford; Demond Wilson plays Fred's thirtysomething son Lamont, who lives with his father. Their circle of friends and family includes Fred's nemesis, Aunt Esther (LaWanda Page); his best friends Grady Wilson (Whitman Mayo) and Bubba Bexley (Don Bexley); his sometimes-girlfriend Donna Harris (Lynn Hamilton); and Lamont's friends Rollo Larson (Nathaniel Taylor), Julio Fuentes (Gregory Sierra), and -- later in the series -- Ah Chew (Pat Morita). Fred and Lamont's relationship provides the show with many funny moments, but it also highlights some of the issues that present themselves when parents get older. Lamont is fully capable of living alone, but he stays with his father out of loyalty; as a result, he often ends up taking charge when Fred's half-baked schemes go wrong. And while Fred loves his son, he tends to show his "appreciation" via frequent insults, constant complaints, and faked heart attacks when things don't go his way.
Is it any good?
Characteristically for its time, Sanford and Son consistently presents racial stereotypes as part of its comedy. Fred takes on Archie Bunker-like qualities when offering his bigoted ideas about the world around him. The show isn't a source of social commentary, per se, but it does serve as an indicator of how silly prejudice is. Kids who are too young to understand that concept may take away the wrong message; save this one for slightly older viewers.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about how and why some comedies use racial stereotypes as a means of bringing attention to prejudice. Is it ever OK to do that? When does it cross the line? How have stereotypes (in the media and in society in general) changed since this show first aired? Families can also discuss the nature of relationships between parents and their grown-up kids. What responsibilities do adults have toward their parents when they get older? Why does Fred always insult and belittle Lamont? Is that ever an appropriate way to communicate with someone?
- Show:
- All members
- Parents
- Teens & kids
Kid, 12 years old
February 1, 2010
AGE
Great for everyone.
Best Show Ever!
I,m hooked on it.
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AGE
I think that there is not any good role models and some rude messages.
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Kid, 12 years old
June 21, 2010
AGE
70s classic offers laughs -- and stereotypes.
Character istically for its time, Sanford and Son consistently presents racial stereotypes as part of its comedy. Fred takes on Archie Bunker-like qualities when offering his bigoted ideas about the world around him. The show isn't a source of social commentary, per se, but it does serve as an indicator of how silly prejudice is. Kids who are too young to understand that concept may take away the wrong message; save this one for slightly older viewers.
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AGE
Sanford And Son is awesome!!
Where to begin..... Well for starters this is the awesome ist show ever! It is hilarious. Even though fred makes insults he never even follows through with them so its ok. Its really funny and shows the value of hardwork. BTW Lamont is my favorite :)!
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AGE
great show
Sanford and son is an exceptional show. It has very funny lines and the characters are hilarious. The show does have some bad message and some mild language. It also depicts fred as a hard drinker with no consequenes what so ever. So if you are over 8. This is a great pick.
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Kid, 12 years old
December 10, 2010
AGE
Just A Few Cons.
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AGE
Your child needs to be mature enough to watch this show without copying the bad behaviour.
The age-appropriateness of this show really depends on the age of your child. This show contains a really bad (but hilarious) roll model, and depending on your child, this show may be suitable for ages anywhere from 12-18+. I would say the minimum age you should be to watch this, in terms of content, should be 12+.
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AGE
Hysterical.
"Thats S-a-n-f-o-r-d period"
Fred Sanford
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Kid, 1 year old
July 5, 2010
AGE
it's iffy and on for 5+, and see
I Watched it since 10, too, but Sorry Fans of Sanford and Son, These Preschoolers are banned. I think ants are going to ban Saford and Son from watching like (Ren & Stimpy, Pecola, Pucca, Hamtaro, Sitting Ducks, Peep, Pet Alien, Rocko's Modern Life, Angry Beavers, Cow & Chicken, Beavis & B***-Head, Atomic Betty (which those Cartoon Network idiots should never have dumped for that Ben 10 and Naruto garbage), Zixx (Cartoon Network only aired season one (not season two) of this), AAAHH! Real Monsters, etc.), I don't want Mr. Meaty to get cancelled quickly (along with Robotboy, Dragon Hunters, Monster Allergy, Zatch Bell, Bobobo-bo Bo-bobo, SpongeBob (which I doubt will get cancelled quickly), Catscratch, Horseland, Zatch Bell!, (the ones not canceled yet) Robot Chicken, Dora the Explorer, Go! Diego! Go, AFV, 2 Stupid(won't show up and you can hide st*pid) Dogs, Shrek, Phienas and Ferb, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, iCarly, Beverly Hills, 90210/90210, 3's Company, Sesame Street, High School Musical, MythBusters, Cheers, Pinky Dinky Doo, Paid Programming, What I like about you, Roseanne, The Nanny, Adult Programming, Programming, The Good Night Show from The Sunny Side Up Show, Bratz, Jason Haddad in the Morning-at Night, Transformers, M*A*S*H, and 7th Heaven, [adult swim] fans, (going to sites like) Yahoo!, YouTube, Facebook, (movies like) Pirates of Carabian, (driving.riding) caravans, (watching) Sprout, and Barney and Friends, Friends, The A Team, H*ll's Kitchen, D*mn Yankees, Bad Girls Club, The Girls Next Door, The Boys Next Door,Give Me My F***ing Change, F*CK, Animators, Star Wars, 10 things i hate about you,Stickfingers, Johnny Test, CN shows, (songs like) The Best D** Thing (other TV shows like) Judge Judy, Bulls...!, Airplane!, COPS,DARE, Reno 911!, and Deal or No Deal and All of the above except for Sanford and Son like America's Next Top Model (until 14) (i don't like reno 911! until 13 or the movie when i'm 17) and the Like,The PussyCat Dolls too, etc.) it's the same thing as Sanford and Son, Sanford and Son ... Rocks! They don't have these anymore for young schooler grade (5 & under) audiences, The Judge says this show is OK for Elementary Schoolers and Older (5 & over), i think it's fine for mature kids.
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Kid, 12 years old
May 16, 2010
AGE
nothing. nothing is bad but there somethings good.
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| TV rating: | TV-PG |
| Networks: | Syndicated, TV Land |
| Cast: | Demond Wilson, LaWanda Page, Redd Foxx |
| Genre: | Comedy |
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