Instant Mom

TV review by Emily Ashby, Common Sense Media
Instant Mom Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 11+

Funny family sitcom appeals to older kids and adults.

Nickelodeon Comedy 2013
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Parents say

age 13+

Based on 10 reviews

Kids say

age 11+

Based on 8 reviews

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A Lot or a Little?

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

What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that Instant Mom is a mostly family-friendly sitcom that has fun with typical family issues like sibling spats, teen rebellion, and the frustrations of parenting. Kids' and parents' missteps usually have consequences (though they're less serious than they'd be in the real world), and love is always shown to conquer all. Expect some mild foreplay in the parents' bedroom (lingerie, suggestive comments, and some cuddling) and a fair amount of grown-up drinking, especially when the stresses of parenting prove too much for stepmom Stephanie.

Community Reviews

Tentative Adult
Tentative Adult Adult
January 14, 2019
age 17+

Suggestive content

A particular episode caught my attention. Was not in the room while it was being watched but I heard enough to grab my attention. In the particular episode, Steph's mom fell for some clergyman. Around the end of the episode, she tells him how all the family's fallen and in need of help, to which he responds that he'll probably need to lay hands. She then responds along the lines of "you can lay 'em wherever you want". Tsk tsk tsk, Nick.
GK Adodo
GK Adodo Adult
April 22, 2016
age 6+

How can a daughter hit a father?!

I was surprised to see this episode that the daughter was upset that the parents trailed her to a hotel party. She used the stethoscope to hit her father quite a number of times as she was upset about him. I am not sure what is the show trying to tell the youngsters? The message is definitely not healthy. I asked my 6 years old son if that is correct. He replied it is ok! I am so shocked and have to explain to him that no matter how angry a child is, he/she cannot and should not hit the parents. I used to like to watch this program with my 6 years old son. I think I have to allow him to watch only I am watching with him in the future, or don't like him watch at all if such scenes continue.
See all 10 parent reviews

What's the Story?

INSTANT MOM stars Tia Mowry-Hardrict at Stephanie, a longtime-party-girl-turned-full-time-parent when she marries Charlie (Michael Boatman) and becomes stepmom to his three kids: Gabby (Sydney Park), James (Tylen Williams), and Aaron (Damarr Calhoun). The transition isn't an easy one, especially given the kids' knack for always being one step ahead of her in their schemes, but, as time goes on, she proves she's up to the challenge. Also, when things get too hairy for Stephanie, her mom, Maggie (Sheryl Lee Ralph), is all too happy to put in her two cents on raising kids and being a good wife.

Is It Any Good?

Instant Mom is a funny family sitcom with a little something for everyone. Kids are sure to chuckle over the siblings' antics that may or may not reflect what goes on in their own homes. Be it Gabby's attempts to shed childhood and become a full-fledged teen (much to her father's chagrin) or James' ploys to turn a profit on others' needs, there's never a dull moment in this household. Parents, on the other hand, may take a different view, empathizing with inexperienced Stephanie and her trial by fire of her savvy step-kids.

The show is predictably fluffy and presents a very sanitary view of life. No one's problems are particularly stressful, and every loose end is neatly tied up by the show's culmination, in keeping with the sitcom tradition. Still, there are some feel-good takeaways that reflect the bonds of families of all sizes and shapes, and the characters (both kids and adults alike) do learn something from the chaos they live through. All in all, this is not a bad choice for families looking for a show to enjoy together. Given the frequent allusions to the parents' bedroom play, though, it's best to wait until the little kids are asleep.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about how this TV family compares to theirs. Do their problems seem realistic? Do they deal with them in relatable ways? How do your relationships with your siblings stack up? Do you ever bicker? Why?

  • This family isn't a traditional one, but they are very close. Is there a one-size-fits-all definition of what a family is? Do all members have to be related? Are there people in your life who aren't relatives but whom you consider to be family?

  • Discuss the family rules that are addressed (and sometimes broken) in each episode and relate them to their own. Why do they exist? Are they respected? What are the consequences when they're disregarded?

TV Details

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