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All in the Family

(Rated TV-PG, Comedy, Starring Rob Reiner, Carroll O'Connor, Jean Stapleton, Where to watch: TV Land, Syndicated, DVD)

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 10, age appropriate for kids over 14; suggested age 12.

  • Is it any good?

    5.0

  • Common Sense says

    Landmark '70s sitcom lightens bias with humor.

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 12–14

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    Archie Bunker is a conservative bigot with a good heart. His prejudices are meant to highlight cultural issues in a positive, thoughtful way. Serious topics like women's rights, gay rights, racial equality, etc. are addressed.

  • Violence:

    Usually no violence, except for occasional slapstick stuff. In one episode, a man is killed during a hate crime outside the Bunker house. Discussion of other crimes, including rape.

  • Sex:

    Some very tame allusions to Mike and Gloria's sex life. Some brief kissing. Discussion of sexually related issues, like homosexuality.

  • Language:

    Some mild cursing, like "hell" and "dammit." Occasional bigoted language, like the n-word and derogatory terms for homosexuals.

  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    The main character drinks an occasional beer and smokes a pipe.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About All in the Family

Parents need to know that this landmark sitcom features a main character who is racist and homophobic -- and was recognized as such even when the show initially aired in the '70s. Archie's bigotry is used to highlight serious social topics like rape, breast cancer, and homosexuality in a humorous, thoughtful, ultimately positive way. Racially charged language (like the n-word) is sometimes used. In one episode, a guest character is killed by an explosion in the distance.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about race and prejudice. How have discussions of race changed since this show began? How are they the same? What kinds of racial divisions do kids notice in their school? Have kids ever heard someone use a racial epithet? What do kids think about Archie's bigotry? Is this a racist show? Is it the media's job to bring attention to issues like prejudice? How do today's media tackle these topics?
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Most Recent Reviews

  1. Adult Reviewer
    mrnocal
    Lives in New York
    I rate this title on for age 13 and give it 5.0

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
    Flag as inappropriate
  2. Adult Reviewer
    weezy
    Lives in Montana
    I rate this title on for age 11 and give it 5.0

    it FUNNY. but shouldn't be shown to kids under The age of 11

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
    Flag as inappropriate
  3. Adult Reviewer
    1970
    Lives in Montana
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 5.0

    it funny

    this show is funny while it can be sad at the sme time but it is the best show to ever be on television

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
    Flag as inappropriate

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