I watched this show growing up and it did not affect me in a negative way. A lot of stuff I didn't even get when I was little--the sexual references, the one about the guy they think is a cokehead. I still loved the jokes though, and the delivery is great. I'm sure not every kid will like it, but it's really not a bad influence. This show is mild compared to some kids' shows today. The characters are so ridiculous that a child could not possibly think they are role models. They also show a side of everyone, a very human side that is neurotic, selfish, obsessive, and cynical. I think it's important that kids realize that this is a part of life, though. And even if the main characters aren't good role models, the people they meet aren't usually either--George's boss that he poisons later, the drunk who leaves Jerry to take care of his dog, the yogurt store owner that pretended his yogurt was fat-free... There are people like this everywhere, and kids need to know that not everyone is decent, and everyone has their flaws.

What parents need to know is that this show is about bad - no terrible - decision makers. They also need to know the subject matter covers a lot of adult topics, from homosexuality to racism to sex - though always without saying much substantive one way or the other. What's funny about this show is how neurotic, ill considered and ego driven decisions lead to hilarious situations. Any child old enough to get the jokes should be mature enough to understand that these people are not role models. In fact, clear consequences for their bad decisions are frequently the punchline. This is good, clean fun for children once they are old enough for the subject matter.

I grew up watching this show, with my parents. Now, my parents and my 12-year-old sister and I watch it together. It's fun, funny, and the characters are lovable, even when they're being shallow and selfish. Sex is an issue. Most episodes have at least one mild reference to it, while some episodes are a little less subtle. Language isn't really an issue. Most episodes have some minor cursing. All in all, I think it's a good family show if your children are mature enough to handle the sexual references.

Children are typically unable to understand that the behavior of the main characters is oftentimes loathsome. Rather, they admire the funny characters and emulate their selfishness, sarcasm, insensitivity, etc. Trust me, I grew up when this show was produced and never watched any of the cynical shows like this. However, I was in school with many children who did watch these types of shows. And, boy, were they nasty. Overall, a very funny show, but totally inappropriate for children.