Parents' Guide to

Glenn Martin, DDS

By Kari Croop, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 13+

Sardonic Nick at Nite 'toon veers into adult territory.

TV Nickelodeon Comedy 2009
Glenn Martin, DDS Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

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

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age 12+

Based on 26 parent reviews

CSMContentDefault
CSMContentDefault Adult
June 13, 2020
age 18+

THANK GOD IT WAS TAKEN OFF AIR

Essentially a "souped-up" version of LazyTown. In fact it's the SAME show as LazyTown, just with a different name. I'd rather watch South Park than this.

This title has:

Too much violence
Too much sex
Too much swearing
Too much consumerism
Too much drinking/drugs/smoking
Al Jackson
Al Jackson Adult
April 14, 2012
age 18+

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!

This show is one of the worst shows i've EVER seen! It is HORRIBLY vulgar and rude!

This title has:

Too much violence
Too much sex
Too much swearing
See all 26 parent reviews

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?

Our review:
Parents say (26 ):
Kids say (75 ):

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

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