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Sons of Tucson (Fox)

common sense media says

Kids lie to get by in this cheeky, so-so sitcom.

parents & educators say
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What parents need to know

Parents need to know that there are some iffy messages here for a show that seems to be targeting kids and their parents, including the central premise that kids can largely take care of themselves without any adults around. The brothers' desire to stay together -- rather than be sent to separate foster homes -- is what motivates them to lie, but they lie a lot nonetheless and don't seem to think it's all that dishonorable. There's also a good bit of cartoonish violence, some of which is quite startling, and some gateway swearing like "damn," "hell," and "piss off."

Positive messages: Ultimately, the message could be that a family unit -- no matter how unconventional -- is important. But that's not the emphasis of the show at all. Most of the time, the art of deception is what's being celebrated.
Positive role models: Nobody's winning any awards for their behavior, save one female teacher who takes pride in doing her job well. The main character routinely lies and says inappropriate things, while the kids con others and occasionally steal things, like camping fuel.
Violence: Some mid-level kicking, punching, and hitting, plus a few stronger incidents involving an adult bully who chases characters around with a baseball bat, smashing car windows, and threatening serious bodily harm.
Sex: Some adult-oriented innuendo young viewers might not catch, including a character who knocks someone out then suggests the kids help her "get his pants off" so she can "go pick out the right wig."
Language: Adult characters use terms like "douche bag," "damn," and "hell." An 8-year-old character uses the phrase "piss off."
Consumerism: Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Characters aren't usually shown drinking alcohol but an adult character tries to sell himself as a guardian by telling the kids, "I can buy beer...not that you should be drinking, although it can be fun sometimes. But you'll do regrettable things. Don't drink."
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More on Sons of Tucson

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
  • Families can talk about the show's use of violence as a comedic tool and whether any of it crosses the line. Why is it funny to see someone get hurt? Do you think most kids connect violent acts they see on sitcoms or cartoons with their real-life consequences?
  • In some ways, the show suggests that children can raise themselves without much parental guidance. Do you think that's a realistic idea? What types of things do moms and dads do that are irreplaceable? Do you think you could make it without your parents in the picture?
  • Do you think this series would have worked better as a movie? Why or why not? What are the advantages to doing it as a television show?

What's the story?

What's the story?
In SONS OF TUCSON, brothers Brandon (Matthew Levy), Gary (Frank Dolce), and Robby Gunderson (Benjamin Stockham) are left to fend for themselves when their wealthy banker father lands in jail on a 25-year prison sentence for "a stock thing"...which is all well and good until the unsupervised minors realize they need a stand-in dad to keep the school from calling child protective services. Enter underemployed sporting goods employee Ron Snuffkin (Tyler Labine), an avid teller of tall tales who lives in his car and agrees to take on the job in exchange for a weekly salary and a place to stay.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 

In terms of plot, Sons of Tucson asks a lot from its audience and doesn't necessarily pay them back with the laugh-out-loud moments they might have been expecting. We're left wondering whether this would have played better as a Jack Black movie. After all, Labine is pretty much a Black lookalike -- down to his line delivery -- and you can't help but feel that his Ron could be friends with Black's Dewey Finn from School of Rock (or any of his other characters, for that matter).

Eerie similarities aside, Sons of Tucson gets points for its attempt to appeal to both kids and their parents. But some of the humor crosses the line in terms of appropriateness for tween viewers, even though two of the three Gunderson kids are supposed to be preteens themselves. Parents can watch with their kids, but be prepared for a Grandma who keeps dead squirrels in the freezer and has some pretty strange sexual fetishes.

TV themes & details

TV Details
TV Rating: TV-PG
Network: Fox
Cast: Frank Dolce, Matthew Levy, Tyler Labine
Genre: Comedy
Where to watch: Fox
This review was written by Kari Croop
 
 

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Most useful reviews by all members

ianmahabub
kid, 12 years old
10
 
I Need To Watch That Show
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helped me decide (1) | had useful details (2) | read my mind (4)
ironkid21
kid, 13 years old
11
 
I actually think this is an enjoyable show. Taylor Lauburne, Frank Dolce and other people that I don't know are great. Overall it's not a great show it's just entertaining. But just know that the kids curse. 11+
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gospurs57
adult
14
 
Not the next Malcolm in the Middle
While most critics have compared Sons of Tucson to Malcolm in the Middle, Sons is essentially a failed attempt for FOX at making another innovative sitcom like Malcolm. The goofiness of Malcolm is certainly present (without the wit), but there's certain aspects of the show that are reminiscent of My Name Is Earl. All three kid characters are carbon copies of Reese from Malcolm: they're mean, manipulative, selfish, and unlikable. The guy that plays the kids' "dad" might be the only character that's somewhat likable. Overall, Sons will disappoint those thinking it's the next Malcolm. You'll be better off watching Malcolm reruns on Nick@Nite and FX, and The Middle on ABC Comedy Wednesday. Both shows are much funnier and better written than this one.
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