Common Sense Media Review
By Melissa Camacho
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Cute '80s comedy sometimes touches on serious issues.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 10+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
What's the Story?
SILVER SPOONS is a 1980s classic comedy series featuring then-child actor Ricky Shroder as Ricky Stratton, a young boy who is sent to military school after his mother remarries. The young Stratton finds his estranged father, millionaire Edward Stratton III (Joel Higgins), in the hopes of moving in and building a relationship with him. The naïve and rather irresponsible Edward finds himself trying to figure out how to be a dad and a positive role model for the son he never knew he had. It isn't always easy, but luckily they have the help of Edward's assistant, Kate Summers (Erin Gray), his lawyer Leonard Rollins (Leonard Lightfoot), and occasionally his own father (played by John Houseman), to help him along the way.
Is It Any Good?
The lighthearted comedy features the traditional and often-silly humor one expects from 1980s sitcoms. But it does address some serious issues surrounding school-age boys that remain relevant today, like bullying, child abuse, teen pregnancy, and coping with learning disabilities.
Some folks may find the series a little dated, but classic TV fans will get a kick out watching actors like Shroder, Jason Bateman, and Alfonso Ribeiro during their early careers. Others may appreciate some of the positive messages about the father-son relationship and non-traditional family that it offers. Overall, it's a fun viewing choice for older tweens and up.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about what their favorite classic TV sitcoms are. Which do you think are better: older sitcoms or what's on the air today? Why? Why do some sitcoms remain popular years after they originally aired, even if some of what they show is outdated?
Talk about the issues the show brings up. Do you think the show's messages about the problems tweens and teens encounter are still relevant?
TV Details
- Premiere date : September 25, 1982
- Cast : Erin Gray , Joel Higgins , Rick Schroder
- Networks : NBC , Syndicated
- Genre : Comedy
- TV rating :
- Last updated : September 20, 2019
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