Common Sense Media Review
By Kari Croop
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Cheeky comedy has heart but is aimed squarely at adults.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Ben and Kate
What's the Story?
BEN AND KATE are an atypical odd couple, a brother and sister who largely raised themselves. While Ben (Nat Faxon) is an unfocused dreamer, Kate (Dakota Johnson) tends to be responsible enough for them both. But her one mistake -- an unplanned pregnancy -- resulted in the best thing that's ever happened to either of them: Kate's precocious daughter, Maddie (Maggie Elizabeth Jones).
Is It Any Good?
BEN AND KATE doesn't always deliver the laugh-out-loud funny you hope for. But there are times when the writing and acting combine for a charming blend of heart and hilarity that wins you over in spite of its shortcomings. Add a well-cast ensemble of characters, and the potential for goodness, if not greatness, is definitely there.
As Ben and Kate, Faxon (the Oscar-winning co-screenwriter of The Descendants and a graduate of L.A.'s Groundlings improv group) and Johnson (the daughter of Don Johnson and Melanie Griffith) make for strong and likeable comic leads. But the real star in terms of delivery is British import Lucy Punch, who steals just about every scene she's in. Two particularly priceless bits find her offering beauty advice to a pint-sized Maddie and, later, instructing Kate how to be sexy. If nothing else, don't miss those.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the definition of "family" and the different forms that families can take. How do Ben and Kate compare to other sitcom families? How do they seem compared to other families you know in real life?
Does Ben and Kate's use of quick editing to cut off strong language make it any cleaner than shows that bleep out iffy words? What are the pros and cons of each method, and which do you prefer?
Does cheeky content override the show's generally positive message? Is it a good choice for families with older children, or is it better fit for adult viewers?
TV Details
- Premiere date : September 25, 2012
- Cast : Dakota Johnson , Lucy Punch , Nat Faxon
- Network : Fox
- Genre : Comedy
- Topics : Family Stories ( Siblings )
- TV rating :
- Last updated : September 30, 2025
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