Allen Gregory
Parents say
Based on 4 reviews
Kids say
Based on 15 reviews
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this TV show.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that this animated comedy series features some disturbing sexual humor relating to its lead character, a 7-year-old genius. Fantasy scenes between the boy and his much older principal involve near nudity and implied sex. There's also mild swearing and some negative messaging with regard to the lead character's poor behavior and disdain for authority.
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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: NR
- Last updated: February 25, 2022
Our Editors Recommend
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Futurama
The Jetsons meet The Simpsons.
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King of the Hill
Wickedly funny at times, but not for all tastes.
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The Simpsons
Clever, fast-paced cartoon with edgy humor.
For kids who love comedy
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