The Partridge Family
By Lucy Maher,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Singin'-family sitcom still has retro appeal.
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Based on 1 parent review
loved it growing up
What's the Story?
One of the 1970s' most iconic sitcoms, THE PARTRIDGE FAMILY revolves around a family of five kids and their mother, who travel the country as an up-and-coming musical act. After recording a pop song in their garage, the Partridge kids -- Keith (David Cassidy), Danny (Danny Bonaduce), Laurie (Susan Dey), Tracy (Suzanne Crough), and Chris (Brian Forster) -- end up with a smash single, so they hit the road in a colorful school bus, playing gig after gig. Of course, along the way the kids experience growing pains (both on and off stage) that force them to rely on one another and their mom, Shirley (Shirley Jones).
Is It Any Good?
It's not exactly earth-shattering stuff (and it wasn't even in the '70s), but it's still got a wholesome, innocent appeal. The Partridge Family is definitely a family-friendly show, and adults will remember tuning in as kids. That said, some young viewers used to today's action-packed TV lineup may turn it off in favor of something a little more scintillating.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about what it's like to be a child performer. The stars of the show were children playing child stars. How is the show's depiction of life on the road real? How do you think things have changed for kids in the music business and in Hollywood in the decades since the show first aired? Would you want a life like the Partridges?
TV Details
- Premiere date: September 25, 1970
- Cast: Danny Bonaduce , David Cassidy , Susan Dey
- Network: Syndicated
- Genre: Comedy
- Topics: Book Characters , Music and Sing-Along
- TV rating: TV-G
- Last updated: November 23, 2023
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