Parents' Guide to

Reba

By Joly Herman, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 12+

Family comedy finds laughter in trying situations.

TV WB Comedy 2001
Reba Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this TV show.

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age 11+

Based on 7 parent reviews

Sandra P.
Sandra P. Adult
May 18, 2023
age 14+

Very Entertaining

Matt B.
Matt B. Adult
February 23, 2019
age 6+

A family show

This is a good family comedy.
See all 7 parent reviews

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?

Our review:
Parents say (7):
Kids say (28):

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

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