"Parents often assume that TV shows about families are 'safe' viewing choices"
“The Dukes of Hazzard” and “Dallas” were about families, and were not exactly family safe, either. This is nothing new.
Aspiring to be a stick in the mud.
Probably the best “family friendly” TV show was the Waltrons
Some other oldies are fun to watch and not offensive (all have semi-normal families):
On the other hand you have The Sopranos
the best family show is the “family” on NCIS.
Hoping to shed more light than heat..
The problem with watching the Waltons is one might as well watch paint dry. I recall an episode where for what seemed like ten minutes you are just watching them make home-made ice cream. Then the next scene is of them eating the ice cream.
I enjoy many of the Andy Griffith Show episodes, but not all these were good either. Several episodes had very inappropriate themes, and of course Barney was a two-timer, maintaining a dating relationship with Thelma Lou but constantly calling Juanita at the diner for romantic chats.
Then when it comes to the way Andy typically resolved conflict…he doesn’t tell the truth. They frequently produced humor on the show by Andy (and Barney) extending lie upon lie in their efforts to not hurt the feelings of someone. And it was portrayed as the only and honorable way out of situations of life.
I’m concerned about content, but I also prefer that my kids see stories where actions have consequences, although this doesn’t always mean that justice is done - it means that the show attempts to realistically illustrate how lives are affected by what people say and do. I also like it when characters “do the right thing” whether or not they are recognized or rewarded, because integrity and courage is part of who they are.
I’m with you, Rob, on the NCIS dynamic.
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