Common Sense Media Review
By Jill Murphy
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Sarcastic humor isn't for everyone; know your kid.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
The Crumb family -- mother Suzanne (Jane Curtain), father Billy, and sons Jody and Mitch (Fred Savage) -- is in the middle of a major transition: After a messy separation between Suzanne and Billy Crumb, younger son Mitch, who has failed at becoming a writer in LA, comes home to assist in picking up the pieces. Jody has remained at home running the family business, and is full of resentment for his returning little brother. Like most adult siblings living in their parents' home, Jody and Mitch have retreated back to acting like children -- exchanging insults and even an occasional punch in the arm. Despite their bitter and strained relationship, Suzanne and Billy still care about each other, and often try to make each other jealous. When Billy finds out that Suzanne was dating the orderly from her psychiatric ward, Billy has him fired.
Is It Any Good?
This show's quirky humor may appeal to older kids, but not every parent will appreciate this type of sarcastic and sometimes mean-spirited humor or find it appropriate for children. Is it funny that the mother hit the father with a car and ended up in a psychiatric hospital? Families will need to make that decision for themselves.
Regardless of how they feel about the edgy premise, viewers will agree that there are elements of the show that simply don't work -- the awkward laugh track comes to mind. Critics have written off the program as a knock-off of Arrested Development -- which is a fair assessment. Still, families who enjoy sarcastic family comedies may find some value in this show.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the eccentricities of the Crumb family. Do your kids know any families that are this dysfunctional? When are family problems funny? What's the benefit of finding humor in life's hardships?
TV Details
- Premiere date : January 12, 2006
- Cast : Eddie McClintock , Fred Savage , Jane Curtin
- Network : ABC
- Genre : Comedy
- TV rating :
- Last updated : September 19, 2019
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