Parents' Guide to

The Simpsons

By Joly Herman, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 12+

Clever, fast-paced cartoon with edgy humor.

TV Fox Comedy 1989
The Simpsons 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 11+

Based on 118 parent reviews

Belitiers
Belitiers Adult
September 18, 2022
age 9+

You guys are really harsh on the age rating here.

No, this show isn't for ages 12 and up. That's a crazy thing to say. I started watching at 9, and it's a great show. The first 10 seasons beat seasons 11 and up by far, so watch those ones. Yes, the simpsons has some sex jokes, but they aren't even that bad. Your child will barely know what the jokes mean, as it isn't so obvious. The show has some drinking, but honestly, who cares? Homer and his friends like to go to Moes Tavern to get beer and other alcoholic drinks, but it's not that bad, really. The show does have a SMALL, VERY SMALL, amount of violence. You rarely see it in the show. As for swearing, nearly no swearing either! They say Damn, Hell, and Ass, but that's about it. The show DOES have great messages, and some educational value can be seen here, albeit a small amount. But with the great messages, and the great humor coming from the show, I see no problem with a kid 9+ watching... maybe 10+, but it's not that bad.
3 people found this helpful.
Accurate P.
Accurate P. Parent of 15-year-old
August 16, 2022
age 12+
Rated TV-PG

This title has:

Too much sex
1 person found this helpful.
See all 118 parent reviews

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?

Our review:
Parents say (118 ):
Kids say (1034 ):

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

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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