Common Sense Media Review
By Melissa Camacho
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Positive (if predictable) messages in blended family comedy.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 10+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
What's the Story?
ARE WE THERE YET? is a comedy series about the growing pains a newly blended family goes through after the honeymoon period is over. The series features Terry Crews as Nick Persons, a former athlete who has married Suzanne Kingston (Essence Atkins), a professional party planner and mother to 14-year old daughter Lindsey (Teala Dunn) and 10-year old Kevin (Coy Stewart). While Nick adjusts to his new role as a stepfather, the kids entertain themselves by finding new tricks to play on him. Meanwhile, the foursome must also learn deal with their new extended family, including Nick's mom Marilyn (Telma Hopkins) and Terrance (Ice Cube), Suzanne's older brother. Friends like Gigi (Keesha Sharp) and Martin (Christian Finnegan) also add to the mix. It isn't always easy, but they learn that they can face anything together as a family.
Is It Any Good?
The series, which is based on the 1995 film of the same title, humorously highlights the daily trials that modern-day newlyweds face as they adjust to each other while balancing all the other facets in their lives. It also underscores some the many challenges that come with bringing people together to create a new family.
The show's storylines aren't always original, but the overall series contains some positive messages about parenting and family. It may be a little predictable, but it definitely has some heart.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about what it is like to live in a blended family. What are some of the challenges of bringing people together to create a new family? Some of the benefits? What are some of the stereotypes surrounding blended families and stepparents? Do you think the media has perpetuated some of these stereotypes? If so, how?
What are some of the more popular blended families that have been featured on television and in film over the years? Has the way the media has portrayed blended families changed over time? If so, why?
TV Details
- Premiere date : June 2, 2010
- Cast : Essence Atkins , Telma Hopkins , Terry Crews
- Network : TBS
- Genre : Comedy
- TV rating :
- Last updated : October 1, 2020
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