Common Sense Media Review
By Kari Croop
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Sardonic Nick at Nite 'toon veers into adult territory.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Glenn Martin, DDS
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 23 parent reviews
Parents say the show is highly controversial, with many expressing strong disapproval over its content being aired on a children's network, citing inappropriate themes, vulgarity, and shock value that are not suitable for younger viewers. While some found it humorous and appropriate for older teens, the overwhelming sentiment among parents is concern for the show's placement and the potential impact on children, leading to calls for it to be removed from the lineup entirely.
- inappropriate content
- parental disapproval
- humor appeal
- unsuitable for children
- controversy over airing
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 64 kid reviews
Kids say the show has mixed reviews, with many labeling it as inappropriate and poorly animated, while others find it funny but question its suitability for younger audiences due to crude humor and violent content. Overall, it seems more appropriate for older teens rather than the intended child demographic, sparking concern among parents about its presence on a children's network.
- inappropriate for kids
- mixed reviews
- crude humor
- questionable content
- suitable for teens
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
A suburban dentist (voiced by Kevin Nealon) takes his family on the road in GLENN MARTIN, DDS, a stop-motion animated series executive produced by animator Eric Fogel, who brought the world Celebrity Deathmatch. From the comfort of his RV-turned-mobile dentistry office, Glenn travels the country with his wife, Jackie (Catherine O'Hara); his 13-year-old son, Conor (Peter Oldring); his 11-year-old daughter, Courtney (Jackie Clarke); and Courtney's 13-year-old "assistant," Wendy (Judy Greer). Their dog, Canine -- whose anus is both "oversized" and prominently featured -- is also along for the ride.
Is It Any Good?
Teetering on the line between family entertainment and edgy adult humor, Glenn Martin, DDS, signals a bit of a departure for Nickelodeon's "Nick at Nite," an after-8 p.m. programming block that also includes clear-cut family fare like The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and The Nanny. But while some parents might welcome the show's reliance on pop culture jokes that are clearly aimed at them (a Sex and the City bit is particularly funny), some might consider it a bit too cheeky for what's ostensibly a children's channel. And the thing is, they'd have a point. It's less appropriate for kids than, say, The Simpsons. But it certainly isn't the most obvious viewing choice for "tweens and their parents," as the network has suggested in its promotions for the show. Teens, yes. Tweens, no.
In terms of comedic quality, Nealon and O'Hara are solid choices to voice the heads of the Martin household, and the show is funny enough to make its use of a canned laugh track seem a little bit lame. Still, it seems doubtful that Glenn Martin, DDS, will become an animation classic that stands the test of time. It's not the funniest thing on television -- or even in its time slot. But for parents and kids who prefer their family humor with a little kick, it delivers.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about whether or not this is really a "family show." Do you think it's OK for tweens (kids ages 8 to 12)? Why or why not?
Glenn and his wife struggle with luring their kids away from their cell phones and other portable technology long enough to participate in family activities. Do families spend less time together as a result of technology, or does technology help keep families more connected?
Why do you think the show's creators chose an animated format? Would the series work equally well as a live-action sitcom?
Teens: Do you think Glenn's son and daughter act like a typical 1- and 11-year-old?
TV Details
- Premiere date : August 17, 2009
- Cast : Catherine O'Hara , Judy Greer , Kevin Nealon
- Network : Nickelodeon
- Genre : Comedy
- TV rating :
- Last updated : December 11, 2025
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