Parents' Guide to

So Little Time

By Emily Ashby, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 7+

Olsen twins star in heartwarming, family-friendly sitcom.

TV Nickelodeon, Freeform Comedy 2001
So Little Time Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

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

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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?

Our review:
Parents say Not yet rated
Kids say (1):

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

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 suggesting a diversity update.

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