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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this TV show.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that The Millers is a multicamera sitcom designed for adults, with plenty of crass humor and sexual references that might make for uncomfortable family viewing. Expect references to consequence-free casual sex, online dating, and jokes about sex (and older couples not having sex). Characters may also drink on-screen, and at least one character uses a prescription sleeping aid and acts tipsy on it. There are fart jokes and other body-related humor. Characters curse, though four-letter words are bleeped. Despite all this, The Millers is rather sweet and features wonderful actors, though parents likely will want to see it first to make sure the level of crassness is acceptable before sharing it with the family.
Community Reviews
Great movie
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The old test pattern days would be better viewing.
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What's the Story?
Roving TV news reporter Nathan (Will Arnett) divorced his wife months ago but "forgot" to inform his mother, Carol (Margo Martindale), and dad, Tom (Beau Bridges), because he knew they'd yell at him. When they show up at his house unexpectedly and learn of the divorce, Tom is inspired to end his own 43-year marriage, defecting to Jack's sister's house to live and abandoning Carol at Jack's place. Now Jack is looking to celebrate his single status with the help of his cameraman pal (J.B. Smoove), with his mom sitting right there in the middle of everything. Meanwhile, Carol misses her ex and needs extra attention. Tom doesn't know how to do anything for himself and annoys daughter Debbie (Jayma Mays) and her husband (Nelson Franklin).
Is It Any Good?
THE MILLERS might not be the most sophisticated show, and the humor is a little crass. However, the terminally immature may still find themselves laughing at jokes, such as when Nathan complains that his ex made him eat "quinoa" and another character mishears it as a reference to oral sex. Hey, we haven't heard that joke before! Point in The Millers' favor! (But do you want to hear that joke sitting next to your teenager?)
In addition, Margo Martindale and Beau Bridges are old pros, and they're terrific. They have great chemistry with Will Arnett as their son and crackle whenever they're on-screen. The goings-on are a bit silly and sitcom-y, but these seasoned pros sell it.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about whether the Millers are a realistic family. Do you buy that these people are related or that they're real people? Why or why not?
Are the Millers supposed to be rich or poor? Examine the houses they live in, the clothes they wear, and the things around them. Did that change your answer?
Do you know any parents who moved in with their adult kids? Is this a realistic setup? Why or why not?
TV Details
- Premiere date: October 3, 2013
- Cast: Beau Bridges, Margo Martindale, Will Arnett
- Network: CBS
- Genre: Comedy
- Topics: Brothers and Sisters
- TV rating: NR
- Last updated: March 31, 2022
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