Parents' Guide to

Last Man Standing

By Melissa Camacho, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 12+

Sitcom mixes family-friendly themes with stereotypes.

TV Fox, Syndicated Comedy 2011
Last Man Standing 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 28 parent reviews

MollieMichele80
MollieMichele80 Parent of 13-year-old
February 18, 2022
age 12+

This title has:

Great messages
Great role models
Too much drinking/drugs/smoking
William G.
William G. Adult
October 13, 2021
age 10+

Think of this folks.

My son was caught watching porn anemia at the ripe old age of 8. I was shocked yes be i realize I new a lot about it as well at the age of 8. Children know a lot about thus subject a lot earlier now days than we did and life simple when my son asked what did the human wheel barrow comment meant and why is it so funny my immediate reply was its a grown up think son you will understand later. If you were one of many who had to go google what it was i have have this to say . LOL
See all 28 parent reviews

What's the Story?

The comedy series LAST MAN STANDING features Tim Allen as Mike Baxter, an adventure-loving marketing director for an outdoor sporting goods store. When Mike's boss (played by Hector Elizondo) refuses to send him on any more fun marketing trips until he revamps the company website, he finds himself spending more time at home struggling to relate to his three daughters, including eldest daughter Kristin (Alexandra Krosney), the rather ditsy Mandy (Molly Ephraim), and tomboy Eve (Kaitlyn Dever). Being a more hands-on dad over the years leads to its share of mishaps, but it also gives him more time to spend with his grandson Boyd (played by Flynn Morrison). He also gets to know his sons-in-law and Kyle (Christoph Sanders) and Ryan (Jordan Masterson). As a result of all the craziness, Mike usually uses the company website to talk about issues that go beyond what the store is selling. It gets a little crazy, but luckily his wife, Vanessa (Nancy Travis), helps put everything into perspective.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (28):
Kids say (39):

The comedy series offers some positive messages about family, fatherhood, and the importance of learning how to be part of grown kids' lives. It also underscores the parental struggle between trying to teach daughters to be independent, and the desire to see them married with children. Over the years it also highlights the changes that parents are forced to adapt to as their children build their own lives. It moved from ABC to Fox in 2018 for its seventh season; now some of the political tensions resulting from the 2016 elections, exemplified by Mike's conservative views, are occasionally discussed too.

It's likable and family friendly, but thanks to Tim Allen's reliance on his trademark male-oriented jokes to get a laugh, it sometimes looks and feels like an updated version of his original series, Home Improvement. It also contains a fair amount of stereotyping and some occasional homophobic humor. But if you can see past this, Last Man Standing provides some solid sitcom entertainment.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about father-daughter relationships. Are there really differences between the way daughters relate to their fathers vs. the way sons do? What about relating with mothers?

  • Are sexist and/or stereotypical jokes ever appropriate, even if some folks find humor in them? Why or why not?

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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