Common Sense Media Review
By Joly Herman
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Clever, fast-paced cartoon with edgy humor.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 12+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
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The Simpsons
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 157 parent reviews
Parents say that the show, while humorous and beloved, has considerable adult content that varies by season, leading to mixed opinions on its appropriateness for younger audiences. Many believe the early seasons are suitable for kids over 10, while others argue that the later seasons include more crude humor and should ideally be reserved for older teens due to themes of alcohol, sex, and violence.
- humor and beloved
- adult content
- early seasons suitable
- later seasons crude
- mixed opinions
- supervision recommended
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 1,082 kid reviews
Kids say the show is a classic family comedy that combines humor and social commentary, making it a favorite among both children and adults. However, many reviewers caution about its inappropriate content for younger audiences, suggesting that while early seasons are generally suitable, later episodes contain significant adult themes, including violence, alcohol use, and crude humor, which may not be appropriate until children are older.
- family-friendly humor
- some inappropriate content
- suitable for older kids
- iconic characters
- caution for younger viewers
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
Family life for THE SIMPSONS is a chaotic blend of cheeky outbursts and consequent mending, as dad Homer (voiced by Dan Castellaneta) and son Bart (Nancy Cartwright) -- unwittingly or not -- undermine mom Marge (Julie Kavner) and daughter Lisa's (Yeardley Smith) good intentions. Bart finds joy in being a constant source of trouble. Homer earns his keep by falling asleep at the controls of Springfield's nuclear plant and drinks beer after work with fellow barflies. But within this dynamic are heartfelt scenes and clever plot lines that make the show a classic.
Is It Any Good?
This show isn't meant to be taken seriously; it's a rollicking ride through a fantasy society, and it satirizes very human traits with wit and humor. In the course of hundreds of episodes, The Simpsons have taken on everything from alcohol abuse disorder to Burning Man to social media, keeping pace with the culture the show mocks (though earlier episodes can feel dated because of this). Many of the topics it takes on aren't appropriate for young viewers, but the humor is genial enough that most of the naughty stuff will make parents wince rather than shut off the television.
Ultimately, The Simpsons' scripts are very clever, and the cast portrays the characters with a sense of wit and care that earned it the status of TV legend. Just keep in mind that the show can be offensive at times. Sensitive subjects will come up, and they will be mocked; Bart will always behave in ways that parents would prefer kids not copy. Still, with humor that's by turns sophisticated/satirical and goofy, The Simpsons can be a great whole-family show.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how different cartoon life on The Simpsons is from reality. Just because a show or movie is animated, does that lessen the impact of mature themes/content? Why, or why not?
What does responsibility mean? Would Homer and Bart get away with their antics in the real world? What types of things do the characters on this show do that people in real life could not?
How do characters like Apu perpetuate offensive stereotypes? Should White actors voice characters of color? What about the other way around?
How do the characters on The Simpsons demonstrate communication and self-control? Why are these important character strengths?
How is love for your hometown displayed in the show? What are some of your kids' favorite spots and things to do where you live?
TV Details
- Premiere date : December 17, 1989
- Cast : Dan Castellaneta , Hank Azaria , Julie Kavner , Nancy Cartwright
- Network : Fox
- Genre : Comedy
- Topics : Family Stories ( Siblings )
- Character Strengths : Communication , Self-control
- TV rating :
- Award : Kids' Choice Award
- Last updated : December 11, 2025
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