Parents' Guide to

I Dream of Jeannie

By Melissa Camacho, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 10+

Classic comedy offers laughs, sexist stereotypes.

TV Nickelodeon, Syndicated, WGN Comedy 1965
I Dream of Jeannie Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

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

Community Reviews

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age 9+

Based on 2 parent reviews

hammy01
hammy01 Adult
February 25, 2020
age 8+

Grew Up Watching, and Still Love It!

I grew up watching Jeannie on MeTV, and to this day it's still one of my favorite shows. I love going back and re-watching episodes, and they always make me laugh. As far as I can remember, it's clean, and free from any language or sexual content. There may be a few innuendos but they are not explicit.
nmaab
nmaab Parent of 1, 4 and 5-year-old
January 11, 2011
age 10+

Love it!!

I love this show it is funny and it makes you want more too bad they are all reruns of course all good things must come to an end!!!

This title has:

Great messages
See all 2 parent reviews

What's the Story?

The classic comedy I DREAM OF JEANNIE, which originally aired from 1965-1970, features Barbara Eden as Jeannie, a 2000+ year old genie who was released from her bottle after being found on a desert island by astronaut and Air Force Major Anthony Nelson (Larry Hagman). After helping him back to his Cocoa Beach, Florida home, Jeannie convinces Major Nelson to become her new Master. Things get crazy as the Major tries to keep her existence a secret while she misguidedly uses her powers to help him whenever she thinks he's in a bind. Despite the help of friend and colleague Major Roger Healey (Bill Daily), Jeannie's presence manages to raise the suspicion of NASA psychiatrist Dr. Alfred Bellows (Hayden Rorke), who is intent on proving that Major Nelson is suffering from delusions.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (2):
Kids say (5):

The show's plotlines surrounding Jeannie's efforts to please her master and her attempts to keep him away from other women reflect some of the female gender roles and stereotypes of the time. Feminine sex appeal (characterized by Jeannie's curve-revealing harem outfit) and a woman's desire to get married are also highlighted throughout the series' five-year run.

Some of its messages are definitely dated, and unlike shows that aired simultaneously, including Bewitched and Get Smart, it fails to address some of the social transitions of the time. But its likable characters, fantasy-oriented storylines, and running gags still make it a classic favorite.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about how women's changing role in society has been depicted in the media over the years. How has that portrayal changed in the time since this show originally aired? Do you think there are things that have stayed the same? If so, what?

TV Details

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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.

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