Parents' Guide to

Catastrophe

By Melissa Camacho, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 17+

Raunchy, hilarious British romcom about relationships.

TV Amazon Prime Video Comedy 2015
Catastrophe Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this TV show.

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age 17+

Based on 1 parent review

Jill M Peer
Jill M Peer Adult
February 10, 2019
age 17+

I dont usually watch or like tv.

I really dont like nearly all tv. I dont watch any. But I absolutly LOVED this series. I couldnt tear my self away. It has far more sexual contact than i would generally feel is required. ( I did think they were all rather obsessed with sex! ) But the content was real, lively, natural, funny, in places adorable and full of wonderful likable humour and fun. I became addicted to the programme and the style of drama which flowed out of the screen. it also made me more happy in my own life and i cared about the characters like i would my own children. I thought Sharon was rather harsh at times but maybe that was necessary to put over her attitude and feelings as a character. I grew genuinely fond of Rob. But all the other members of the cast where typical of real people i meet in my life. Yes it was so REAL the whole thing thats why i liked it so much. I shall miss it like a good book. Please Sharon and Rob, write some more and keep up the style and the gentle surprise element. I think you are BRILLIANT! There was one error where the children of SH and Rob seemed to jump a whole lifetime!!! that was confusing. i guess that was the programme planners or someone techncal. thanks again for a great programme . i dont think there will ever me another one so good.

This title has:

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Great role models
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What's the Story?

CATASTROPHE is a British romantic comedy starring Rob Delaney and Sharon Horgan as Rob Norris and Sharon Morris, a couple who barely know each other but are making the best of it after they discover they're having a baby; after a week-long sexual liaison while Rob, an American from Boston, was working in London, Irish school teacher Sharon finds herself pregnant. As they attempt to build a life together and raise their baby, they each must learn how to adjust to each other and figure out if they really want to be together.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: (1):
Kids say: Not yet rated

The series offers a sharp and funny portrayal of adults who barely know each other who are attempting to create a conventional partnership after a less-than-ideal beginning to their relationship. Meanwhile, Delaney and Horgan's comedic chemistry creates a smart and endearing partnership that audiences want to root for despite the mistakes they've made.

It gets a little raunchy at times, and adding to the fray are appearances by fun folks such as Carrie Fisher, Tobias Menzies, and Ashley Jensen. But despite all the humor, it also takes a very honest look at how people feel when they have to make decisions about unplanned pregnancies and determine whether or not they're willing to make major life-changing sacrifices as a result.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about marriage and relationships. Is love the only good reason to be in a partnership or get married? What about being pregnant? What are some of the other reasons people get together? What does this series suggest about some of these points?

  • How does the media portray casual sex and related themes? Is there a connection between the sexual content we see on TV and the decisions we make about having sex and protecting ourselves?

TV Details

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