Parents' Guide to Tacoma FD

TV Netflix Comedy 2019
Four male and one female firefighters of mixed race stand behind their white middle aged male fire chief against red backdrop

Common Sense Media Review

Megan Andersen By Megan Andersen , based on child development research. How do we rate?

age 16+

Fire station meets frat house in raunchy comedy series.

Parents Need to Know

Why Age 16+?

Any Positive Content?

  • Five smiling firefighters and their smily chief pose in front of a firetruck
  • Five firefighters try to look tough with their chief while looking down at the camera with a firetruck behind them
  • One of the fire fighters, portrayed by Steve Lemme smiles at the camera- a white male firefighters with mustache

Parent and Kid Reviews

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What's the Story?

In TACOMA FD, Fire Chief Terry McConky (Kevin Heffernan) and his friend/Captain Eddie Penisi (Steve Lemme) engage in juvenile hijinks and tomfoolery along with the other firefighters in their firehouse. Fires are occasionally put out, and they appear to do the essentials of their jobs, however, professionalism isn't exactly their forte.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say : Not yet rated
Kids say : Not yet rated

In this not-great series, adults use name-calling, strong language and insults frequently and heavily to underscore jokes. Tacoma FD could be a lot funnier, but instead, it's just a raunchfest. For example, a frustrated child says, "I get it, d--khead" and the firefighters say to each other, of that child, "I'm sick of that a--hole." The fire chief is referred to as a "ChILF" and there are many references to sexuality, bodily functions, race, gender and comparing people to animals or objects in an effort to degrade. While actions of the characters in Tacoma FD are often childlike, the themes and language used in the program make this comedy best for teens and adults.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about language. What kind of language is appropriate for your own family? Why did you come to that decision?

  • Talk about comedy. What's funny and what isn't? You can discuss the concept of "punching down," where those with more power mock those with less.

  • What do you think about joking around about things like drugs, sex, and violence? Is it legit when it's funny? What about when it's not? Is there a difference?

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

Four male and one female firefighters of mixed race stand behind their white middle aged male fire chief against red backdrop

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