Gortimer Gibbon's Life on Normal Street

Name: Gortimer Gibbon's Life on Normal Street
Item: Gortimer Gibbon's Life on Normal Street
Rating: 5
Author: Emily Ashby

TV review by

Emily Ashby, Common Sense Media

Gortimer Gibbon's Life on Normal Street TV Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 7+

(i)

Delightful family series with outstanding positive themes.

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Parents recommend

Parents say

age 7+

Based on 24 reviews

Kids say

age 8+

Based on 8 reviews

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We think this TV show stands out for:

Character Strengths

A lot or a little?

The parents' guide to what's in this TV show.

Educational Value

The show intends to entertain rather than to educate.

Positive Messages

The series puts strong values at the forefront with quality friendships among the characters and a standout storyline surrounding the evolving affection between the tweens and an elderly neighbor they come to care for. Nurturing family relationships are prominent as well, and Gortimer and his friends embrace their families' influence in their lives. Themes include compassion and teamwork.

Positive Role Models & Representations

Gortimer and his friends are supportive of each other and share an unspoken understanding that makes them such a tight group. Adults, including parents and an eccentric elderly neighbor, are good influences in the tweens' lives as well.

Violence & Scariness

No violence, but the characters find themselves in mildly perilous situations. In one scene, Gortimer passes out after inhaling what he presumes to be poisonous gas, for instance. They never come to any real harm, though, and even with hints at the supernatural, the "scares" aren't enough to frighten anyone.

Sexy Stuff

Language

It's said that one of the main characters is giving up swearing, so he uses food-inspired stand-ins like "Son of a blueberry" and "What the bean dip?" in place of the real stuff. The effect is more comical than anything, but kids who watch might follow suit.

Consumerism

Drinking, Drugs & Smoking

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that Gortimer Gibbon's Life on Normal Street is an endearing series with strong themes of friendship and family relationships. The main characters are three quirky tweens with longtime ties to each other and an amiable friendship with their elderly neighbor, whom they help in numerous ways. One of the tweens often utters stand-in swear words like "son of a blueberry," but there's no traditional strong language. Expect some very mild peril when the kids' plans meet with unexpected snags, but ultimately this is a wholesome show that's appropriate for the whole family.

Parent of a 3, 5, and 8 year old Written byLuvMyGirls July 13, 2014

age 6+

Fabulous!

This has to be the best quality TV series for kids that I have ever come across. I can't wait for Amazon to come out with more episodes. My girls loved it... Continue reading

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Parent of a 7 and 9 year old Written bykrissyfs April 2, 2015

age 6+

Family Friendly! Entertaining! Smart Series for Kids!

My 7 year old son and 10 year old daughter absolutely love this series! There are so many story elements that keep my children coming back for more- the mystery... Continue reading

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Teen, 17 years old Written byJackalope April 21, 2015

age 4+

Goofy Family Fare

I'm 17. This show is not meant for me in any way, shape, or form. However, in some strange way, I enjoyed it. Gortimer Gibbon is a totally goofy, fun show... Continue reading

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Teen, 13 years old Written byfairy1776 July 9, 2016

age 7+

One of my Favorite shows

Gortimer, Mel and Ranger are great characters who each have their own backstory. Sometimes the stories are about the supernatural and sometimes the kids just th... Continue reading

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What's the story?

GORTIMER GIBBON'S LIFE ON NORMAL STREET is the story of three friends -- Gortimer (Sloane Morgan Siegel), Ranger (Drew Justice), and Mel (Ashley Boettcher) -- and the mysterious things that happen in their deceptively average-looking neighborhood. It all starts with Gortimer's encounter with their eccentric elderly neighbor, Mrs. Hudspith (Fionnula Flanagan), who asks for his help in a strange project that winds up revealing a long-held secret of hers. Suddenly the kids find themselves in the midst of other bizarre happenings, all within a stone's throw of Gortimer's house on Normal Street.

Is it any good?

This delightful show has something for everyone -- mystery, comedy, and a touch of nostalgia for grown-ups who remember fondly the unique sense of magic in childhood adventures. Parents know that it's no simple task finding a show that's both appropriate for and appealing to the whole family. Whether it's suggestive situations too mature for youngsters or fantasy so unrealistic that tweens tune out, finding the right mix of innocence and entertainment is a challenge.

Enter Gortimer Gibbon and his faithful friends with their quirky ways, hearty relationships, and indomitable spirits, and you'll find that the search is over. Add in forthright values, great examples of positive relationships, and a touch of fantasy, and you have the makings of a real winner for kids and adults alike in Gortimer Gibbon's Life on Normal Street.

Talk to your kids about ...

Families can talk about relationships. What are the markers of a healthy relationship? How do good friends overcome disagreements? Are the relationships and friendships in Gortimer Gibbon's Life on Normal Street strong and healthy?
A recurring theme in this show is respecting others' feelings. How do the characters show that they care about those around them? Why is it sometimes difficult to do the same in real life? What are the rewards of treating people kindly?
Kids: How does this series compare to some of your other favorites? Are the characters realistic? Can you relate to the situations? Do you think TV characters are positive role models?
How do the characters in Gortimer Gibbon's Life on Normal Street demonstrate compassion and teamwork? Why are these important character strengths?