Common Sense Media Review
By Emily Ashby
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Olsen twins star in heartwarming, family-friendly sitcom.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 7+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
So Little Time
What's the Story?
SO LITTLE TIME stars the Olsen twins as Riley (Mary-Kate Olsen) and Chloe (Ashley Olsen) Carlson, sisters whose vastly different personalities only make them better friends. The show follows the ups and downs of the girls' experiences with high school, friendships, and boys, as well as the uncertainty of their separated parents' relationship. From falling in with the school's tough crowd to wrestling with feelings of jealousy over a classmate's crush, Riley and Chloe are quick to learn that even in the paradise of Malibu, life is far from perfect.
Is It Any Good?
The cheeky twin cuties who won over fans during their Full House days treat viewers to a double dose of their talent in this likable sitcom. It casts a fairly superficial impression of issues that are more hard-fought in the real world -- including bullying and rebellious behavior -- but that only broadens its appeal for families with younger kids, who also will appreciate the show's striking lack of any iffy content.
One issue So Little Time doesn't shy away from is marital separation. Macy (Clare Carey) and Jake's (Eric Lutes) precarious relationship inspires some jokes that might hit a nerve with some viewers (Jake joins a support group for divorcées and tries to sabotage Macy's date, for instance), but it's their unwavering devotion to their girls that really stands out and will leave an impression on kids who watch.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how society treats celebrities. Do they live by the same rules that regular people do? Are your expectations of them lower or higher than they are for others? Is that fair to either group?
Are the Olsen twins positive role models for kids? What about their behavior influences your impression of them? What would it be like to grow up in front of cameras?
Why do everyday problems seem less serious when they're on TV? Is it fair to compare our lives with those of fictional characters like the Carlsons? How does what we see in the media affect how we feel about ourselves?
TV Details
- Premiere date : June 2, 2001
- Cast : Mary-Kate Olsen , Ashley Olsen , Eric Lutes
- Networks : Nickelodeon , Freeform
- Genre : Comedy
- Topics : Family Stories ( Siblings ) , School ( High School )
- TV rating :
- Last updated : October 1, 2025
Did we miss something on diversity?
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
Suggest an Update
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.
See how we rate