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Parents' Guide to

The King of Queens

By Jill Murphy, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 13+

A funny look at blue collar family life.

TV Spike Comedy 1998
The King of Queens Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this TV show.

Community Reviews

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age 12+

Based on 10 parent reviews

LNLEMONLIME
LNLEMONLIME Parent of 2-year-old
May 28, 2022
age 16+

LOVE. LOVE . LOVE.

I KNOW THE SHOW IS LONG OFF THE AIR, BUT I WANTED TO CAST A VOTE (2022) TO BRING IT BACK TO TV, ON SOME LEVEL. I HAVE BEEN WATCHING THE KING OF QUEENS FOR SOMETIME & WHILE A FEW SCRIPTS SHOULD BE UPDATED, I THINK ITS A GREAT SHOW. IN DOUG & CARRIE'S WORLD THERE WAS NO COVID-19, NO MALTREATMENT OF FAMILY MEMBERS, NO DRUG/ ALCOHOL ABUSE, NO DOMESTIC ABUSE, NO ANIMAL ABUSE & CERTAINLY NO SHOOTING OF ELEMENTARY SCHOOL CHILDREN. NO ONE WENT TO A SUPER MARKET IN ARMORED CLOTHING NOR WONDERED IF THEY WOULD RETURN HOME SAFELY, WITH THE FAMILY'S DINNER. IT IS TV SHOWS LIKE KING OF WUEENS THAT WE SHOULD BE WATCHING, NOT HORROR & VIOLENCE NIGHT AFTER NIGHT. BRING BACK DOUG & CARRIE HEFFERNAN, PLEASE!
SenseiRuss
SenseiRuss Adult
November 26, 2020
age 18+

Spousal Abuse, homophobia aplenty — but still a good show for adults(!!)

I like this show a lot, but — although this is rarely mentioned in reviews of this show — several episodes feature Carrie physically abusing Doug. She painfully twists his nipples, punches him hard in the stomach and other acts of spousal abuse. If he was doing this to her instead, I doubt the show would have even gotten on the air. I'm truly mystified why it's rarely, if ever mentioned in reviews or reactions to the show. Oh, and then there's Doug's many homophobic remarks, denigrating gayness and gay people, peppered throughout the shows. But the show has (mostly) excellent acting, good plots, and although Arthur (Jerry Stiller) is loud and a caricature, there are many times where the show poignantly touches on the sadness and loneliness of aging, in regard to his character. Some of the shows are extremely funny and well-written. The final season was a little dark and the last few episodes were nearly unwatchable because of the growing bile and animosity between Doug and Carrie. But a good,funny, diverting series, despite its flaws, IMO.
See all 10 parent 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 (10 ):
Kids say (20 ):

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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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 suggesting a diversity update.

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