Common Sense Media Review
By Emily Ashby
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Superhero family's spats set iffy example; stereotypes.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
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The Thundermans
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 38 parent reviews
Parents say the show has a divided reputation among families, with some praising its humor and lessons about teamwork and family, while others criticize its portrayal of disrespectful behavior and lack of positive role models. Many parents expressed concern over its impact on children's behavior, citing instances of rude language and problematic character portrayals, particularly regarding diversity and stereotypes.
- disrespectful behavior
- diverse cast
- humor and lessons
- parental concerns
- mixed reviews
Summarized with AI
Based on 102 kid reviews
Kids say they enjoy the show, highlighting its humor and family dynamics, with many noting it's suitable for all ages despite some critiques about character stereotypes and representation. Opinions vary widely, with some praising the writing and character moments, while others consider it poorly made with unlikable characters and unrealistic plots.
- family dynamics
- humor appeal
- character stereotypes
- mixed reviews
- age suitability
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
THE THUNDERMANS follows a family of superheroes who have hung up their capes and moved to the suburbs searching for a more normal life. Front and center are teen twins Phoebe (Kira Kosarin) and Max (Jack Griffo), who share the powers of telekinesis and freeze breath. Though do-gooder Phoebe seizes the change of locale as an opportunity to be a regular teen among "non-suits," Max spends most of his time scheming and inventing his way to supervillain status. Younger siblings Billy (Diego Velazquez) and Nora (Addison Riecke) have powers of their own (superspeed and laser-beam eyes, respectfully), which they unleash on their older siblings and each other at will. Parenting four kids is never an easy task, but add powers to the mix, and it's a recipe for chaos. Fortunately, dad Hank (Chris Tallman) and mom Barb (Rosa Blasi) have a few tricks up their own sleeves, but there's a fine line between respecting your true nature and letting the whole neighborhood in on your family's little secret.
Is It Any Good?
A family with supernatural powers hiding out in the 'burbs and trying to fit in would be a workable concept for a sitcom, if not for the fact that it's been done many times already. The Thundermans bears so many similarities to a mix between The Incredibles and Wizards of Waverly Place that it feels like old news. And the chronic sibling rivalry accelerated by the kids' powers is meant to be a selling point for the show but comes off as downright irritating (particularly to parents) in no time at all. What's more, even though Max's attempts at villainy are more comical than they are threatening, kids are bound to be somewhat enthralled with the novelty of a charming TV character who is working toward bad-guy status.
It's not earth-shattering news that kids are influenced by what they watch on television. Whether it's a commercial that plants the desire for a hot new toy, or a favorite cartoon character who's prone to salty language, kids will, to some degree, emulate what they see and hear. With that in mind, The Thundermans' depiction of family life—from sparring siblings to parents who are steamrolled by their scheming kids—could be a concern. And that's not including the show's sad swing for cultural diversity, with stereotypical characters like the thickly accented, cheap business-owner Mrs. Wong (Helen Hong). The bottom line? This show's canned jokes might provide the occasional laugh, but there are plenty of TV shows that do it without sending kids questionable messages along the way.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how The Thundermans' family structure compares to their own. Kids: Who's in charge at your house? How are you expected to treat your siblings or others? What are some of your family rules? Why are they important?
How do you resolve a conflict with a friend or family member? Do you ever call on someone else to help? What are some important guidelines to keep in mind when you're talking out a problem?
Max is charming but claims to have a dark side, and he wants to be a villain. How can you tell a good guy from a bad guy on television or in movies? What about in real life? What rules does your family have regarding strangers that help keep you safe?
How are people of color portrayed on the show? Did you notice any stereotypes? Why is it important to portray characters from underrepresented groups with nuance?
TV Details
- Premiere date : October 14, 2013
- Cast : Jack Griffo , Kira Kosarin , Rosa Blasi
- Network : Nickelodeon
- Genre : Comedy
- Topics : Superheroes , Family Stories ( Siblings )
- TV rating :
- Award : Kids' Choice Award
- Last updated : September 28, 2026
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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