Parents' Guide to The King of Queens

TV Spike Comedy 1998
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Common Sense Media Review

Jill Murphy By Jill Murphy , based on child development research. How do we rate?

age 13+

A funny look at blue collar family life.

Parents Need to Know

Why Age 13+?

Any Positive Content?

Parent and Kid Reviews

age 12+

Based on 11 parent reviews

Parents say the show offers a mix of humor and inappropriate themes, with some episodes containing mild profanity, suggestive dialogue, and references to alcohol and violence, making it unsuitable for very young children. While many appreciate its comedic value and nostalgia, others raise concerns about depictions of spousal abuse and homophobia, which may strike some viewers negatively despite the show's overall charm.

  • mild suggestive themes
  • inappropriate for younger
  • good comedic value
  • flawed but enjoyable
  • concerns about abuse
  • suitable for older teens
Summarized with AI

age 10+

Based on 19 kid reviews

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?

Our review:
Parents say ( 11 ):
Kids say ( 19 ):

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

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