Parents' Guide to

Significant Mother

By Melissa Camacho, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 14+

Tired, crude sex gags in May/December-themed comedy.

TV CW Comedy 2015
Significant Mother 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 18+

Based on 2 parent reviews

alaskan38
alaskan38 Adult
August 16, 2015
age 18+

Not for children under 18

I do not let shows like this one enter my house. My kids/any kid should hear all the innuendos, sex and cursing included in this show

This title has:

Too much sex
Too much swearing
Too much drinking/drugs/smoking
bolanle macaulay
bolanle macaulay Adult
August 13, 2015
age 18+

how tv has fallen

I have never written a film review before but I went through the process of registering on this site just to say that I never knew I hated anything more in my life that this useless TV series! How on earth can a show centered on one's friend having meaningless sex with one's own mother be funny? If this was the only thing on earth that one could view, I would rather take my own life! That's how much I hate this apology of a problem program! I hope it is cancelled before it's 4th episode! What a rubbish!
See all 2 parent reviews

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?

Our review:
Parents say: (2):
Kids say: Not yet rated

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

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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 suggesting a diversity update.

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