
The King of Queens
By Jill Murphy,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
A funny look at blue collar family life.
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Community Reviews
Based on 10 parent reviews
LOVE. LOVE . LOVE.
Spousal Abuse, homophobia aplenty — but still a good show for adults(!!)
What's the Story?
THE KING OF QUEENS is Doug (stand-up comedian Kevin James) and his wife, Carrie (Leah Remini), a blue-collar couple living in Queens, NY. Their average lives are the basis for most of the storylines. Additional episodes are based on their home life, sex life, and communication (or miscommunication). Carrie's aging father Arthur (Jerry Stiller) lives with the couple and spends his free time driving them both crazy with his schemes to get rich.
Is It Any Good?
The King of Queens offers a refreshing escape from the stereotypical upper-middle class comedies that dominate primetime TV today. Yes, the show features the requisite bickering and over-the-top situations that characterize family sitcoms, but at least this show is free of the same tired characters we've seen too many times before -- a dad that needs more sex from his wife, a wife who needs more support from her husband, a few clamoring kids, and a nosy mother-in-law for good measure.
The King of Queens has been successful partly because the characters are imperfect people with everyday concerns and problems. Doug struggles with his weight, Carrie is focused on her career, the couple has constant issues with their neighbors, and neither is very interested in adding kids to their family. These adult issues may resonate with parents, although they are not appropriate for children.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how the couple communicates. Are these extreme scenarios realistic? Do Doug and Carrie do outrageous things out of love for one another? Is sarcasm always a useful tool?
TV Details
- Premiere date: September 21, 1998
- Cast: Jerry Stiller , Kevin James , Leah Remini , Victor Williams
- Network: Spike
- Genre: Comedy
- TV rating: TV-PG
- Last updated: March 1, 2022
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