Common Sense Media Review
Raunchy animated Family Guy spin-off isn't for kids.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
The Cleveland Show
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 22 parent reviews
Parents say the show, despite having both funny and deeply offensive moments, isn't suitable for young viewers, with many recommending it only for ages 11 and up due to its mature themes and humor, similar to Family Guy. While some appreciate the character development, particularly that of Donna, others criticize the show's reliance on racial stereotypes and suggest it's not a positive influence for children.
- mature themes
- not suitable young
- character development
- racial stereotypes
- mixed reviews
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 83 kid reviews
Kids say that this animated spin-off is often compared to its predecessor, with many feeling it is less inappropriate but still contains mature content such as mild language, sexual innuendo, and racial stereotypes. Despite some enjoyable moments and characters, there is a consensus that it is not as funny or well-written as the original show, making it better suited for older teens rather than children.
- less inappropriate
- targeted at teens
- mixed reviews
- not as funny
- mild content
- racial stereotypes
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
After an acrimonious divorce leaves him homeless, Cleveland Brown (voiced by Mike Henry) moves back to his hometown and marries his high school sweetheart, Donna (Sanaa Lathan). The new couple, along with Cleveland's teenage son, Cleveland Jr. (Kevin Michael Richardson), and Donna's two kids -- mouthy high school student Roberta (Reagan Gomez-Preston) and precocious kindergartener Rallo (Henry again) -- try to create a happy, blended family in this animated comedy spin-off of Family Guy. (Naturally, their neighbors happen to be a family of bears -- yes, actual bears.)
Is It Any Good?
Fans of Family Guy know what to expect from creator Seth MacFarlane. Each episode of THE CLEVELAND SHOW is rude, crude, and raunchy, with quirky characters and plenty of jokes about sex and drinking that aim low and try to wring laughs from sheer shock value. As in MacFarlane's other shows, nothing is off-limits here, especially race. Cleveland is African American, and the show is riddled with quips and offhand comments that play on stereotypes and clichés. You could argue that MacFarlane deserves credit for addressing the topic at all, since so many other shows don't, but the show does little to advance any real discussion of the issue.
The show has a soft and sweet center, as Cleveland tries to pursue his dreams and find love with his old flame. But this positive message is almost completely buried in sophomoric humor, and it's hardly worth the effort to sift through the dreck to get there.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about raunchy humor. Many of the show's jokes tread very close to the line between outrageous and offensive. Do you find shows like this funny, or do they go too far? Who decides what "too far" is?
The show features repeated references to race and often includes jokes based on racial stereotypes. Is that kind of humor ever OK?
TV Details
- Premiere date : September 27, 2009
- Cast : Reagan Gomez-Preston , Sanaa Lathan , Seth MacFarlane
- Network : Fox
- Genre : Comedy
- TV rating :
- Last updated : December 11, 2025
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