Common Sense Media Review
By Matt Springer
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Disturbing sexual humor in crass Jonah Hill animated comedy.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Allen Gregory
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 4 parent reviews
Based on 13 kid reviews
Kids say that this show suffers from poor character development, lackluster humor, and overly mature themes that make it uncomfortable for viewers. The main character is largely viewed as obnoxious and bratty, with many calling for others to avoid it altogether, preferring to spend time on better alternatives.
- bad character development
- poor humor
- uncomfortable themes
- avoid watching
- not entertaining
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
ALLEN GREGORY (voiced by Jonah Hill) is a 7-year-old boy genius for whom the term "precocious" doesn't quite seem strong enough. He's basically a fortysomething snob in the body of a little kid, and his father (French Stewart) caters to his every whim. Until, that is, money gets tight and he has to place his precious child into the public elementary school system. The show deals with Allen Gregory's very difficult time adjusting his high standards and eccentric behavior to the realities of childhood.
Is It Any Good?
Allen Gregory is part of Fox's bedrock Sunday night animation block. After decades of series after series occupying these slots, from The Simpsons and Futurama to King of the Hill and Family Guy, there's a general tone that they all struggle to achieve. It's a tricky combination of the witty and the witless, and more often than not, the shows miss that mark entirely, even when they become wildly successful with an audience that prizes the witlessness more than the wit.
Allen Gregory has potential; there are some funny concepts, strong jokes, vivid characters, and a quirky animation style. Even the music has charm. But in its struggle to incorporate those witless, crass, and even shocking concepts that Fox viewers seem to require, it totally misses the mark. It's hard to find any humor in watching a 7-year-old child -- even an animated one -- engage in softcore sexual fantasies about his sixtysomething principal, complete with partial nudity of a grotesque parody of an elderly woman's body. Frankly, it's a bit nauseating.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the show's approach to sexuality. Were you bothered by any of the jokes?
Were you able to identify with Allen Gregory, even though he's such an unusual character? Are there any role models in this show? What are the messages expressed by the series and its characters?
TV Details
- Premiere date : October 30, 2011
- Cast : French Stewart , Jonah Hill , Nat Faxon
- Network : Fox
- Genre : Comedy
- TV rating :
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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