Parents' Guide to

Father Knows Best

By Melissa Camacho, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 8+

Classic family sitcom features 1950s social values.

TV Syndicated Comedy 1954
Father Knows Best Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

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

Community Reviews

See all
age 8+

Based on 3 parent reviews

Joejoeis1
Joejoeis1 Adult
December 11, 2020
age 8+

Family Values

I am 71yrs old so I clearly remember this program.This was on tv 66 yr ago, so I did not remember the specifics of the show til I recently bought the DVD’s.Maybe I am so loving this show because it brings back a simpler time and more innocent time in my life,but the show always taught a moral or a value and focused on the family unit.Remember that society 66yrs ago is vastly different then now.Those differences can and should be discussed with children and so this can be a learning tool for today’s kids concerning woman’s changing role which is still on going.I do not see evidence of racial profiling.The episode with a Hispanic gardener had the Anderson’s helping him and recognizing certain hardships for him especially with language.Again there is always kindness displayed.All in all this is worth watching all 6 seasons.Far better then the junk on tv today.

This title has:

Great messages
Lowe's man
Lowe's man Adult
March 25, 2016
age 10+

Not too bad, but with some serious shortcomings.

In general the show seems fine. However, the few times that I've seen this show some episodes have failed me. For example, in the episode where Betty tries out to be an engineer for career week during the school's spring break her boss tells her that it isn't a woman's job, even though engineering doesn't have the physical risks that kept women out of other jobs at the time. Earlier in the episode another girl in Betty's class was told- GASP!- that a movie theater usher isn't for girls! Later in the episode Betty's supervisor asked questions that weren't any of his business, such as if she was having problems with her boyfriend, as if to imply that that was the only reason why she wanted to be in what was seen at the time as a man's job. Rightly feeling insulted, Betty quit and learned her proper place. By episode's end the issue was resolved, but Betty did not go back to that job. Instead she accepted an offer from her ex-supervisor for a date. This show is sexist even by 50s standards. This level of misogyny goes far beyond the notion that women should stay home after marriage. (Now you know why I put the green light at 10 rather than a younger age.) The artistic quality isn't good either. It's like a big kid's version of ROMPER ROOM. The way nonwhites are treated leave something to be desired as well.
See all 3 parent reviews

What's the Story?

The classic series FATHER KNOWS BEST (1954 -1960) is a situation comedy about the day-to-day antics of the Andersons, a middle-class nuclear family living in the fictitious suburban town of Springfield. Insurance salesman Jim Anderson (Robert Young) heads up the tight-knit gang, which includes his wife Margaret (Jane Wyatt), teenage daughter Betty (Elinor Donahue), his teen son Bud (Billy Gray), and "Kitten," his precocious youngest daughter Kathy (played by Lauren Chapin). From making sure that Bud knows how to dance in time for the spring formal, to testing his marriage by teaching Margaret how to drive, Jim helps his family through their ups and downs, and makes the most of every event to teach the family about the best way to handle every situation that comes their way.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (3):
Kids say (1):

Like most 1950s sitcoms, Father Knows Best reflects the norms and values that were deemed socially acceptable at the time. It stays away from topics that were deemed too controversial, and focuses on lighthearted and mostly positive stories about growing up and traditional rites of passage. It offers lots of teachable moments, too -- especially when it comes to behaving responsibly and facing the consequences of ones' actions when one does not.



However, the few secondary characters of non-white racial/ethnic backgrounds are often characterized as outsiders and/or untrustworthy. Meanwhile, girls are taught life lessons about being ladies, which includes preparing for marriage, and accepting the inappropriateness of pursuing careers outside of teaching and/or secretarial jobs. But when understood within the context of the time, it is also possible to appreciate the positive messages it offers about love and respect, especially when it comes to family.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about situation comedies. How have they evolved over the years? How have they stayed the same? Do you have any favorite classic sitcoms? How similar (or different) are they to your favorite sitcoms from today?

  • How have social attitudes about race and gender changed over the years? How does television reflect these changes? Do TV shows today feature and/or perpetuate fewer stereotypes than those in the 1950s?

TV Details

Did we miss something on diversity?

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

See all recommended tv lists

Related Topics

Want suggestions based on your streaming services? Get personalized recommendations

Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.

See how we rate