Parents' Guide to

The Vicar of Dibley

By Emily Ashby, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 13+

Hilarious British sitcom has some discussion value as well.

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A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this TV show.

Community Reviews

age 13+

Based on 1 parent review

age 13+

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (1):
Kids say (4):

This hilarious sitcom -- punctuated by a glorious performance by French -- juxtaposes old and new, conservative and progressive in a decidedly British manner, resulting in an impossible conundrum of oddball characters and ridiculous scenarios. There's the old guard -- embodied in David -- who like things the way they've always been and who view unwelcome change as a threat to their social standing. And what could be more threatening than a vicar with, as Geraldine puts it, "an ample bosom," an irreverent sense of humor, and an unflappable personality? But even David can't deny that her arrival invigorates this poky village and its residents, and the unlikely relationships that emerge are as heartwarming as they are entertaining.

Comedy aside, The Vicar of Dibley was inspired by historic changes to the Church of England's stance on female clergy in the early '90s, and the characters' myriad of opinions about Geraldine's presence reflects a real-life response to such systemic changes. In that way, the show raises some intriguing discussion points about gender equality, religious establishments, and the nature of progress, all of which remain timely issues today.

TV Details

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