| 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. |
Parents need to know that the jokes in this long-running favorite often zip past so quickly that kids won't get the deeper statements that lie therein. Life in Springfield can be chaotic, and Homer could very well be the "do not try this at home" poster boy. Beer is consumed in every episode, bad habits are obliged, and ignorance and mockery are the norm, but somehow, everyone gets along in the end.
Family life for the Simpsons is a chaotic blend of cheeky outbursts and consequent mending, as Homer (voiced by Dan Castellaneta) and Bart (Nancy Cartwright) -- unwittingly or not -- undermine Marge (Julie Kavner) and Lisa's (Yeardley Smith) good intentions. Bart finds joy in being a constant source of trouble. Homer earns his keep by falling asleep at the controls of Springfield's nuclear plant and drinks beer after work with fellow barflies who make the cast of Cheers look tame. But within this dynamic are heartfelt scenes and clever plot lines that make the show the classic it has become.
THE SIMPSONS isn't meant to be taken seriously; it's a rollicking ride through a fantasy society, and it satirizes very human traits. Audiences will find this to be a treat during troubled times. How else to explain the success of something so inane yet so undeniably witty?
Ultimately, The Simpsons' scripts are terribly clever, and the cast portrays the characters with a sense of wit and care that has catapulted the series into TV legend. Just keep in mind that the show isn't for the easily offended.
Families can talk about how different cartoon life and reality are. Just because a show or movie is animated, does that mean it's OK for kids? Why or why not?
What does responsibility mean? Would Homer and Bart get away with their antics in the real world?
How are women portrayed?
How do the Simpsons show each other their true feelings? When all is said and done, are they a happy family or a contentious one?
| TV rating: | TV-14 |
| Network: | Fox |
| Cast: | Dan Castellaneta, Hank Azaria, Julie Kavner, Nancy Cartwright |
| Genre: | Comedy |