Common Sense Media Review
By Ashley Moulton
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Classic '50's sitcom has poor message and stereotypes.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 9+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Dennis the Menace
What's the Story?
In DENNIS THE MENACE, Dennis (Jay North) is a young boy who is always causing trouble. Sometimes he's trying to be helpful, like "helping" repair a table for his Mom (Gloria Henry) or "helping" his neighbor Mr. Wilson (Joseph Kearns) paint his house. Other times he's knowingly misbehaving, like sneaking out of the house to go watch a movie. It seems that whenever Dennis is involved, trouble follows.
Is It Any Good?
Viewed through a modern lens, Dennis the Menace doesn't hold up. It's chock full of things most adult viewers would find objectionable. Kid viewers are unlikely to connect with the humor (the show seems to be making fun of kids, rather than treating them as smart and capable people). However, if older kids watch it with adults, it might lead to an interesting discussion of the dominant American pop culture in the 1950s and its lingering effects on modern life.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Do you think Dennis is like any kids you know? Why do you think the show's writers had him get in trouble so much, without any punishments?
Families can talk about the lack of diverse representation -- why do you think this show has an all-white cast? What do you think it was trying to present as the "typical" American family in the 1950s and 60s?
Families can talk about how Dennis's parents act towards each other. What gender stereotypes do they fulfill? Do you think men and women (or at least their stereotypes) are different today?
Dennis's dad smokes in this series. Why do you think no characters smoke in shows meant for kids today?
TV Details
- Premiere date : October 4, 1959
- Cast : Jay North , Herbert Anderson , Gloria Henry
- Network : Peacock
- Genre : Comedy
- TV rating :
- Last updated : May 3, 2024
Did we miss something on diversity?
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