Common Sense Media Review
By Joly Herman
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Family comedy finds laughter in trying situations.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 12+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 9 parent reviews
Based on 30 kid reviews
Kids say this TV show is a hilarious and heartwarming sitcom that tackles real-life family issues, although it includes some sexual references and mentions of alcohol. While many find it suitable for older children and preteens, some reviews caution parents to preview it first due to occasional suggestive content.
- funny family dynamics
- relatable issues
- sexual references
- appropriate for older kids
- good role models
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
In REBA, Reba McEntire plays a sassy divorced mom trying to make peace with her circumstances while raising her kids, taking care of business, and not allowing her ex's affairs to get her down. The winning nature of the supporting cast, including daughter Cheyenne (Joanna Garcia), her dopey husband Van (Steve Howey), Reba's ex-husband Brock (Christopher Rich), and his loopy wife Barbara Jean (played for laughs by Melissa Peterman), also make for some lively and funny moments.
Is It Any Good?
Reba plays to an audience that can relate to, or even feel comforted by, her less-than-perfect situation by offering a down-home view of Middle America, complete with cluttered kitchens, cheating men, old-fashioned ideals, and divorce. It also incorporates some very modern humor, and features a few characters that reflect a more contemporary southern heritage, thus giving it wider viewer appeal.
It's definitely funny, but it also touches on some serious topics like teen pregnancy, alcoholism, and depression, in a way that is both thoughtful and responsible. As a result, the overall series offers a fun and positive experience that reminds you that laughter may not fix your problems, but it may help you survive them.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about what survival means. How does Reba make her situation work for her, and how is her hardship evident? Does laughing in the face of problems like teen pregnancy, alcoholism, and misfortune really help?
TV Details
- Premiere date : October 5, 2001
- Cast : Christopher Rich , Joanna Garcia , Reba McEntire
- Network : WB
- Genre : Comedy
- TV rating :
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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