Common Sense Media Review
By Melissa Camacho
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Groundbreaking feminist-led comedy tackles social issues.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 12+?
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Maude
What's the Story?
MAUDE (1972-1978) is a comedy series that tackles some of the most controversial topics of the 1970s. The All in the Family spinoff stars Bea Arthur as Maude Findlay, Edith Bunker's wealthy liberal feminist cousin who isn't afraid to speak her mind. She and her fourth husband, appliance store owner Walter (Bill Macy), live in Tuckahoe, New York with their divorced daughter Carol (Adrienne Barbeau) and their grandson Philip (Brian Morrison). Maude can't help but meddle in her daughter's life, especially when it comes to Carol's parenting style and the men she dates. She's also constantly at odds with her conservative neighbor, Dr. Arthur Harmon (Conrad Bain), despite the fact that his wife Vivian (Rue McClanahan) is her best friend. Meanwhile, Walter's more traditional and often sexist points of view about life and family lead to lots of arguments, while their housekeeper Florida Evans (Esther Rolle) is constantly putting Maude in her place. Trying to find common ground isn't always easy, but they continue to move forward together.
Is It Any Good?
The groundbreaking and controversial Emmy-nominated Norman Lear comedy successfully mixes traditional TV domestic comedy humor with unapologetic social commentary to reflect the political, economic, and social issues of the tumultuous 1970s in the United States. It's the first TV series in U.S. history to feature an independent upper middle class feminist lead that is strong, loud, complex, flawed, and unrestricted by traditional family dynamics, and paved the way for TV shows with strong female leads like The Golden Girls. It also challenged what was then-considered appropriate primetime subject matter by openly discussing issues ranging from sexism, racism, white liberalism, homosexuality, and abortion to more taboo subjects of the era, including legalizing marijuana, mental health, domestic violence, and menopause. All of this is done with sharp, sarcastic wit, but still manages to reflect the real-life conversations being had in society during the time it was produced. Maude plays an important role in pop culture history, but you might be surprised by how many of the issues it addresses are still relevant today.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about TV situation comedies with strong female leads. How do these portrayals move away from sexist stereotypes?
What are some Maude's most controversial episodes? What made them so provocative?
TV Details
- Premiere date : September 12, 1972
- Cast : Bea Arthur , Bill Macy , Adrienne Barbeau
- Network : Tubi
- Genre : Comedy
- Topics : Activism ( Civic engagement , Gender equality , LGBTQ+ rights , Racial justice , Reproductive access ) , Family Stories ( Dads , Moms , Single Parents ) , Friendship
- Character Strengths : Communication , Integrity
- TV rating :
- Last updated : July 7, 2026
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