Parents' Guide to

Ruby & the Rockits

By Emily Ashby, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 10+

Upbeat take on family dysfunction is funny and endearing.

TV Freeform Comedy 2009
Ruby & the Rockits Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

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

Community Reviews

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age 10+

Based on 10 parent reviews

wharper
wharper Adult
September 29, 2009
age 8+

Perfect for all, say above 4. VERY indicative of real familes

Love it. Highlight of the week. wonderful singing, comedic talent, innocent, speaks to all families, good, clean, fun. Just what the Dr. ordered. Not to mention the cohesion of all 4 Cassidy Brothers and a wonderful example that that gives, of strong, bonded, familial unit!

This title has:

Great messages
Great role models
srkmcnutt
srkmcnutt Parent of 9 and 13-year-old
September 10, 2009
age 9+

Underage drinking is not OK!

I watched the first few episodes with my daughters, ages 9 and 13. We stopped watching after the episode dealing with underage drinking. To say that they treated this extremely sensitive topic in a flip manner doesn't go far enough. The teenaged cousin of the main character lied to his parents so he could go to a party and get drunk. His ride also got drunk and there are so many drunken parties at the address that the "taxi won't go there anymore". He called the title character, who doesn't have a license, to pick him up. She brought her younger cousin in the car also. When they got caught, the main problem was that the title character had taken a brand-new car. Really. That is what they cared about. The underage drinking was treated like no problem, because he didn't drive. The fact that she drove, with a child in the car, even though she didn't have a license wasn't a problem. We will never watch this show again. I hope that the impression left by the show is not what my children remember.

This title has:

Too much sex
Too much drinking/drugs/smoking
See all 10 parent reviews

What's the Story?

Former ‘80s rock star David Gallagher (David Cassidy) gets the surprise of his life when teenage Ruby (Alexa Vega) shows up and claims to be his daughter. Since the prospect of child-rearing doesn't jive with his efforts to revive his musical glory days, he looks for help from his more responsible brother/former band mate, Patrick (Cassidy's real-life half-brother, Patrick Cassidy). Patrick and his wife, Audie (Katie Amanda Keane), welcome Ruby with open arms, and she finds fast friends in their two sons, Jordan (Austin Butler) and Ben (Kurt Doss). But Ruby's deepest desire is to have a relationship with her father, and it will take compromise and forgiveness on everyone's part to become a true family.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (10 ):
Kids say (8 ):

RUBY & THE ROCKITS is an unexpected gem among contemporary family sitcoms. The story puts a fresh spin on the concept of family drama, and it's fun to assume that David and Patrick's opposing personalities might be inspired by the Cassidy brothers' real-life experiences. Vega shines as spunky, optimistic Ruby, and the rest of the cast rounds out a well-scripted series that reminds viewers that every family has an element of dysfunction.

What's more, the show manages to work in some positive messages without coming across as hokey. In order to become the type of family Ruby envisions, for instance, David and Patrick must set aside their personal differences and put her needs first. And Ruby, too, realizes that she has to bend a bit on her high standards and appreciate her father's efforts. With its largely worry-free content and take-aways like these, it's easy to like this fun, family-friendly series.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about making appropriate media choices. Tweens: What are some of your favorite TV shows? Have you seen shows or movies that you think are inappropriate for your age? How did you come across them?

  • How does our society view celebrities? What gives some stars more staying power than others? Should celebrities be held to a higher standard than we are because of their status?

  • How do the Gallaghers' family struggles compare to your own? Is their situation believable? Which character do you most identify with? How does your family work through communication issues and differences of opinion?

TV Details

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