Parents' Guide to

The Real O'Neals

By Kari Croop, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 14+

Everyone has secrets in this challenging family comedy.

TV ABC Comedy 2016
The Real O'Neals 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 15+

Based on 2 parent reviews

Positive1
Positive1 Adult
April 17, 2016
age 18+

A great film for those who promote hatred toward Catholic teachings, and the Church

This film mocks what is most sacred in the Catholic faith. It is what is most offensive to Catholics. Disney will not make a movie that is offensive to Jews, or Muslims, and I pray they do not. However, Catholics are often singled out for attack because it is understood that we turn the other cheek. And indeed we do. It is what Christ has called us to do. All people of all faiths deserve to have their religion respected. The author, who is a fallen away Catholic and very angry with the Church over it's fidelity to Church teaching has shown great contempt for other Catholics who choose to live faithfully to the Catholic church's teachings. That is sad. As always, we as Catholics will pray for those who think that this is wholesome entertainment, as well as for those who produce it. It is offensive to Catholics, and it offends everything that Catholics hold sacred. We as Catholics are truly being pushed back to the Catacombs. I ask that those of good will not allow their children to watch this program lest they become infected with a desire for hate, intolerance toward those of faith, disrespect, and vice. It is not good for kids or adults. It has no socially or morally redeeming value. Rotten is the word that sums it up. It is bigotry at it's worst. I will wait to see if someone is brave enough in this current time of anti Catholic sentiment to put forth a program that champions the truth of the Catholic church. I will avoid programs like The Real O'Neals, that take intentional cheap shots at faithful Catholics. Mockery of one's faith is not entertainment.
chrisd26
chrisd26 Adult
March 3, 2016
age 11+

give them time to get moved in

i watched the premeire of this show last night and gotta say as a grown man i personally love it 'we are not catholic or irish but an american baptist family' i found the show hilarious and cant wait for next week however i didnt enjoy that the show seemed marketed for familys yet teen sex 'witch didnt happen but everyone thought did ' was a majour plot of the episode yes i laughed out loud at the sex jokes myself but had my siblings been there might have been cringe worthy i say give them a few weeks 'may let the family watch on hulu so we can pause to discuss when needed just please watch with extremly young kids

This title has:

Great messages
Great role models
Too much sex
Too much swearing
See all 2 parent reviews

What's the Story?

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 REAL O'NEALS aren't as squeaky-clean as she wants everyone to think they are: Her oldest (Matt Shively) is an anorexic athlete, her middle child (Noah Galvin) is gay, her youngest (Bebe Wood) is a career criminal -- and as for the parents? Well, Eileen and her husband, Pat (Jay R. Ferguson), are getting a divorce. Looks like it's time to get real.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (2):
Kids say (3):

This ABC sitcom's title suggests this is a clan you can really connect with, and on some levels, that's true. But fair warning: The O'Neals and their problems won't feel relatable to every family. It's not that the action largely centers on the teen protagonist's realization that he's gay; that's actually a story line that's increasingly common. It's more that the family's Irish-Catholic quirks won't be as familiar -- or as funny -- to those viewers who haven't experienced them firsthand.

The series is based on the real-life experiences of writer and LGBT activist Dan Savage, who famously 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. How honest are you with your family, and how honest are your parents with you? What are the pros and cons of sharing earth-shattering 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's 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 21st century? Does the sitcom format make too much light of a serious topic, or does it merely inject some humor into what can be a high-stress situation?

TV Details

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 suggesting a diversity update.

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