Common Sense Media Review
By Melissa Camacho
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Funny senior housemates crack wise; teens and up.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
The Golden Girls
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 11 parent reviews
Based on 27 kid reviews
Kids say the show is a hilarious classic that offers both comedy and heartwarming moments, appealing especially to older audiences due to its mature themes and occasional sexual innuendos. While many users fondly recommend it for teenagers and above, they caution that younger children might not grasp the content or might find it inappropriate.
- adult themes
- recommend for teens
- comedy and warmth
- family-friendly appeal
- caution for younger kids
- relatable characters
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
THE GOLDEN GIRLS premiered in 1985, following the comedic escapades of four mature women living as housemates in Miami, Florida. The Golden foursome includes headstrong Dorothy Petrillo Zbornak (Bea Arthur, known for her lead role in the 1970s sitcom Maude), her spunky and sharp-tongued mother Sophia Petrillo (Estelle Getty), naïve Rose Nylund (Betty White of The Mary Tyler Moore Show) and sexually liberated Blanche Devereaux (Maude co-star Rue McClanahan). The four leads are a distinctive group of women who drive each other crazy on a daily basis. They're plagued by Dorothy's scheming ex-husband Stanley Zbornak (Herb Edelman) and are sometimes visited by -- to Blanche's delight -- eligible neighbor Dr. Harry Weston (Richard Mulligan of Empty Nest). But while arguments and insults form a large part of the women's relationship with each other, they're truly committed to each other as loving, loyal friends who support one another even through the most difficult times.
Is It Any Good?
This funny, sexually charged series shows viewers that life not only continues after 50 but is actually rich, fulfilling, and, most of all, fun -- especially when you have good friends to share it with. Dating, sexual activity, adultery, abortion, and AIDS are some of the many issues the ladies chat about -- often around the kitchen table over a piece of cheesecake. This series also looks at many aspects of aging, which range from the comical (sagging chests, drooping bottoms) to the serious (rising health care costs) to the tragic (the rising incidence of homelessness among seniors). But The Golden Girls is also a celebration of life, reminding audiences that women in their golden years are strong, sexy, and beautiful.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how senior citizens are viewed by society and how they are portrayed in The Golden Girls. What are some of the issues that affect the lives of older members of the community? Do people do enough to make sure that seniors are respected and that their needs are addressed?
Families can also discuss the importance of loyalty and the value of friendship.
How do the characters in The Golden Girls demonstrate compassion and integrity? Why are those important character strengths?
TV Details
- Premiere date : September 14, 1985
- Cast : Bea Arthur , Betty White , Rue McClanahan
- Network : Lifetime Television
- Genre : Comedy
- Character Strengths : Compassion , Integrity
- TV rating :
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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