Common Sense Media Review
By Kari Croop
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Everyone has challenges in this mature family comedy.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
The Real O'Neals
What's the Story?
In THE REAL O'NEALS, micromanaging mother of three Eileen O'Neal (Martha Plimpton) has big plans for her Irish-Catholic family, and she runs their lives accordingly. But as it turns out, the O'Neals aren't exactly what she wants everyone to think they are: Her middle child (Noah Galvin) is gay and Eileen and her husband, Pat (Jay R. Ferguson), are getting a divorce, for starters. Looks like it's time to get real.
Is It Any Good?
This ABC sitcom's title suggests this is a clan whose realness can be quite endearing, and on some levels, that's true. But fair warning: The Real O'Neals are the masterminds of their own problems and create drama in predictably ridiculous ways. It's not that the action largely centers on the teen protagonist's attempt to be out and proud in a conservative community; it's more that this family's quirks, arguments, and decisions are chaotic and often create issues for others.
The series is based on the real-life experiences of writer and LGBTQ+ activist Dan Savage, who's famous for his sex advice radio show and also launched the "It Gets Better" project for gay teens and logs credits as the show's executive producer. But while Savage's own views on sex and religion have been labeled by some as controversial, this fictionalized take on his Catholic adolescence is surprisingly conventional when you strip it down to its core elements.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about The Real O'Neals' central messages of openness and honesty. Teens: How honest are you with your family, and how honest are your guardians with you? What are the pros and cons of sharing secrets? Why is it so tempting to hide important truths from those we love?
How relatable are the O'Neals, and how do they measure up as role models? Do their problems appeal to a wide range of viewers? Who do you think is the intended audience for this show?
How accurately does The Real O'Neals address the challenges of coming out as a gay teen in the 2010s? How is the experience of coming out portrayed here different than in the 2000s, or today? What are some improvements? Where do challenges remain?
TV Details
- Premiere date : March 2, 2016
- Cast : Martha Plimpton , Jay R. Ferguson , Noah Galvin
- Network : ABC
- Genre : Comedy
- Topics : Family Stories ( Siblings ) , Friendship , School ( High School )
- TV rating :
- Award : Emmy - Emmy Award Nominee
- Last updated : November 24, 2025
Did we miss something on diversity?
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
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