Common Sense Media Review
By Kari Croop
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Quality drama charts the pros, cons of family togetherness.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Parenthood
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 18 parent reviews
Based on 17 kid reviews
Kids say this TV show is a great blend of wholesome themes and relatable family dynamics, making it enjoyable for both teens and parents. However, it contains mature content, including drug use and violence, which parents are encouraged to discuss with younger viewers to help contextualize the real-life issues presented.
- wholesome themes
- relatable family dynamics
- mature content
- meaningful messages
- emotional connection
- recommend for families
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
Based on the 1989 film of the same name, PARENTHOOD concerns the day-to-day dramas of the sprawling Braverman family, centering on the spawn of patriarch Zeke (Craig T. Nelson) and matriarch Camille (Bonnie Bedelia). Because married oldest son Adam (Peter Krause) seems to have it all together, he often serves as the de facto "Mr. Fix-It" for his three younger siblings: single mom Sarah (Lauren Graham), free-spirited Crosby (Dax Shepard) and workaholic Julia (Erika Christensen). But every now and then, even Adam needs a little parental guidance. In the midst of these thirtysomethings' various dramas are the kids they're raising, including a young boy with Asperger's syndrome and brooding teens.
Is It Any Good?
This isn't the first time someone tried to make Ron Howard's acclaimed family dramedy into a television series, but this incarnation of the franchise is a series with real staying power. (Another version aired under the same title in 1990 but was promptly canceled due to low ratings, despite the presence of promising young stars like Leonardo DiCaprio and Thora Birch.)
Because Howard and longtime producing partner Brian Grazer are at the helm, Parenthood seems to be getting the care and feeding it deserves -- and the cast is peppered with proven performers who can deliver the goods.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Parenthood's portrayal of family life and whether or not it's realistic. Does the show glamorize aspects of family togetherness, etc.? How does this family compare to yours and other families you know?
Most of the focus is on adult characters, but kids play a big part in the story, too. Would you consider this series a "family show," or is it better left to moms and dads? Which of the younger characters, if any, do you relate do?
What central message is the show sending about parenting in general? Can a person be flawed and still be a good parent? Is there such a thing as an "ideal" family?
How do the characters in Parenthood demonstrate compassion and communication? Why are these important character strengths?
TV Details
- Premiere date : March 2, 2010
- Cast : Craig T. Nelson , Lauren Graham , Peter Krause
- Network : NBC
- Genre : Drama
- Character Strengths : Communication , Compassion
- TV rating :
- Award : NAACP Image Award - NAACP Image Award Nominee
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
Did we miss something on diversity?
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
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