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Significant Mother
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A lot or a little?
The parents' guide to what's in this TV show.
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that Significant Mother is a sitcom about a younger man dating his friend's mother. It contains lots of sexual innuendo, including crude references and partially dressed people. There’s lots of strong vocabulary ("damn," "crap," "bitch”), drinking (beer, wine, hard liquor), and some drunken behavior, arguing, and punching (which is meant to be funny). It’s not meant for a younger audience.
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how tv has fallen
Not for children under 18
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What's the story?
SIGNIFICANT MOTHER is a comedy series that shows how complicated life can be when you discover that your 20-something best friend and roommate is dating your mother. When Nate Marlowe (Josh Zuckerman), a budding restaurateur, returns to his Portland home to discover that his best friend Jimmy Barnes (Nathaniel Buzolic) is dating Lydia (Krista Allen), his recently separated mother, he has to find a way to cope with the awkwardness of the situation. Meanwhile, he has to figure out how to tell his friend Samantha (Emma Fitzpatrick) that he wants to date her. Adding to the fray is his dad (Jonathan Silverman), who's decided that he doesn't want a divorce.
Is it any good?
This awkward series makes attempts at humor with predictable sexually themed gags that range from being mildly funny to borderline crude. The lack of original writing also makes it feel repetitive. Some folks may find the "cougar" theme fun, but thanks to the show's limited premise, it doesn't offer much more beyond this. Plus, the concept has been explored much better by shows such as Cougartown. If you're looking for a real laugh, you probably won't find it here.
Talk to your kids about ...
Families can talk about TV shows that rely on sex for humor. What makes it funny? When is it OK for younger viewers to watch sexy stuff? When is this kind of humor too inappropriate, regardless of age?
Families can talk about dating choices. Do you think age matters? Why, or why not?
TV details
- Premiere date: August 3, 2015
- Cast: Josh Zuckerman, Nathaniel Buzolic, Krista Allen
- Network: CW
- Genre: Comedy
- TV rating: TV-14
- Available on: Streaming
For kids who love sitcoms
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Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.