Common Sense Media Review
By Emily Ashby
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Heartwarming sitcom celebrates joyful, chaotic family life.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 6+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
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Cousins for Life
What's the Story?
In Cousins for Life, 12-year-old cousins Ivy (Scarlet Spencer) and Stuart (Dallas Young) find their relationship strained when Stuart and his dad, Clark (Ishmel Sahid), move in with Ivy's family after Stuart's mom is deployed overseas. In such close quarters, Stuart's impulsiveness and carefree attitude wear on Ivy, and her seriousness and social consciousness can be kind of a drag for him. But with some time and mutual understanding, these cousins/best friends discover that their differences enrich and strengthen their worldviews.
Is It Any Good?
It doesn't break any new ground, but this series paints a heartwarming and reassuring picture of the joy that's born out of mindful problem solving within a chaotic family. Cousins for Life is quick to illustrate the stark contrasts in personality and living styles between easygoing Clark and his more serious brother, Lewis (Ron G.) (yes, Lewis and Clark), and, by extension, their respective offspring. Where one branch of the family tree revels in order and predictability, the new arrivals mostly fly by the seat of their pants. They frustrate each other, and hilarity ensues, but at the end of the day, they're thankful for each other's presence. In other words, they're a family.
Cousins for Life is a story about overcoming differences of opinion and respecting individuality. Ivy and Stuart have very little in common, but that doesn't matter to them. They're cousins first and best friends second, and that's enough. Parents will note that much of the mischief in the show is fairly unrealistic (Stuart "solves" a problem for Ivy by bringing home dozens of shelter animals, which they manage to keep secret from Lewis, for instance), but that matters very little in the general scheme of lighthearted entertainment that's suitable for families.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how Stuart and Ivy's relationship weathers the storms. What do they learn about teamwork and cooperation from having to solve the problems they cause? Why are these important character strengths? How do their different approaches to solutions reflect their personalities?
In what ways do the characters in Cousins for Life resemble your family members and/or structure? Is there one definition of a family? What does "family" mean to you? Do you have family members who aren't biological relatives?
What other shows and movies does your family enjoy together? What are some of your favorite ways to spend time together that don't involve screens?
TV Details
- Premiere date : November 24, 2018
- Cast : Dallas Young , Scarlet Spencer , Ishmel Sahid
- Network : Nickelodeon
- Genre : Comedy
- Topics : School ( Middle School )
- Character Strengths : Teamwork
- TV rating :
- Award : Common Sense Selection
- Last updated : October 1, 2025
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