Chris gets into occasional fights at school (most are started by a bully). In one episode, he accidentally breaks his brother's hand after taking a karate class. Mom Rochelle often threatens her kids with physical punishment, but she never follows through (it's all played for laughs).
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The show emphasizes the importance of family and friendship, as well as standing up for yourself and integrity. Characters learn from their mistakes and apologize when they're in the wrong.
Positive Role Models
a lot
They're not perfect, but Chris' parents work hard and do what's right for their kids, teaching them the value of family, money, and hard work. They also admit when they're wrong and use their own mistakes as learning opportunities for their kids. Chris is a well-meaning teen who usually does the right thing -- or learns an important lesson when he doesn't.
Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Everybody Hates Chris is funny and smart, but its themes are too mature for younger kids. Chris' parents make empty threats when their kids get into trouble; these comments are portrayed in a comedic light and aren't meant to be taken seriously (in fact, the parents are strong role models overall, teaching their kids responsibility and helping family members learn from mistakes). There are jokes about drugs (becoming a "crackhead"), and the "N" word is used sparingly (usually to make a specific point). There's also some mild kissing and jokes about teen pregnancy.
I think this show is funny! The funniest characters are Chris' parents! His mom is so mean and naggy and his dad is so cheap! One thing I do not like too much about this show is the amount of racial jokes in it. Fans of the show, whatever racist joke you here on the show, don't say it! It's mean!
if you wont let your kid watch this because of a little swearing you don't know what goes on in schools across the world every day.
What's the Story?
EVERYBODY HATES CHRIS is about the trials and tribulations of teenage Chris (Tyler James Williams) -- and about many real-life issues, such as dealing with strict parents, constantly being picked on by a racist bully at school, and having a more popular, better-looking, taller younger brother. Based on comedian Chris Rock's childhood in Brooklyn, the early '80s-set show puts an unusual spin on the usual sitcom formula. Rock narrates, there's no laugh track, and stories deal humorously with real issues. Chris' parents work multiple jobs and still struggle to pay the bills, all while making sure their kids get a good education and stay on the straight and narrow.
This warmhearted series is a prime example of how to take serious issues and approach them in a humorous yet thought-provoking way. Everybody Hates Chris is innovative, funny, and stereotype-defying -- enjoyable for teens and their parents.
It doesn't shy away from addressing racial stereotypes. For example, much is made over the fact that Chris' father, unlike most other families on the block, is still around to support the family financially and emotionally. The show even goes so far as to mention the "N" word, which a conventional sitcom wouldn't dare utter without the program being considered a "very special episode."
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the kind of issues explored on Everybody Hates Chris versus those on more conventional sitcoms. How prevalent is the type of obvious racism depicted on the show?
Are Chris' parents realistic about how they punish him and his siblings?
Can your kids point out what has changed, if anything, between the time in which this sitcom takes place and now?
How do the characters on Everybody Hates Chris demonstrate integrity? Why is this an important character strength?
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.
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
