Common Sense Media Review
By Emily Ashby
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Edgy Irish comedy is high entertainment for mature viewers.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 16+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Father Ted
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 3 parent reviews
Based on 12 kid reviews
Kids say this show is incredibly funny, with many praising its witty writing and humorous storylines. Though some viewers express concern about mild language and references to drinking, most believe it is suitable for older kids and recommend it for ages 12 or 13 and up.
- funny writing
- mild language
- recommend for teens
- humorous plots
- family friendly
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
FATHER TED is an Irish comedy series centered on three Catholic priests banished to a parish on a fictional Irish island because of past transgressions that include womanizing, alcoholism, and charity fraud. At center is Father Ted Crilly (Dermot Morgan), a well-meaning but misguided man of God whose patience is tried by his responsibility for the dense Father Dougal McGuire (Ardal O'Hanlon) and the cranky, drunken Father Jack Hackett (Frank Kelly). The men are cared for by their loopy housekeeper, Mrs. Doyle (Pauline McLynn), who sees to their daily tea consumption, among other needs. The show follows the goings-on inside the chaotic household as well as the troubles that ensue when they're visited by their haughty overseeing bishop or when they fuel the feud with their trans-island archnemesis, Father Dick Byrne (Maurice O'Donoghue).
Is It Any Good?
Sarcastic, satirical, and unapologetically irreverent, Father Ted continues to entertain audiences long after its brief three-season run in the '90s. Even with fair warning of the show's embrace of sexuality and personal vices among its ministerial characters, the edgy comedy is still a surprise in a series about religious (albeit flawed) men, leaving viewers never quite sure what will happen next.
Father Ted tramples on Catholic rituals and revered traditions on its quest for comic fame, and it pulls it off in a way that only surrealism can. At no point are the characters held to any realistic standards, creating a world in which drunken, conniving, lecherous priests become the protagonists, and audiences develop an affinity toward their quirky ways. Granted, you might have to set aside your own standards and be OK with this kind of behavior in its surreal context to fully appreciate the show, but the sharp comedy makes it all worthwhile.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the messages we get from TV and movies. How might this kind of surreal comedy be misinterpreted by a young audience? What false impressions does it give about Catholic clergy?
Why do you think the creators chose to make the characters so absurdly unrealistic? Is there any value to glean from this show, or is it just meant to entertain? What small changes to the cast might have given it a more positive message?
Teens and parents can use series like this one to glimpse other cultures. What about this show gives it an Irish feel? Did you learn anything about Irish customs or people from watching? How does Irish comedy seem to differ from U.S. comedy?
TV Details
- Premiere date : April 21, 1995
- Cast : Ardal O'Hanlon , Dermot Morgan , Frank Kelly
- Network : Syndicated
- Genre : Comedy
- TV rating :
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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
Suggest an Update
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