Television Review: Good Luck Charlie
What Parents Should Know
Parents need to know that there’s little cause for
concern in this lighthearted sitcom about a family coping with
the challenges that accompany a new (and unexpected) baby. The
show draws humor from standard family fare like older
siblings’ lukewarm responses to a new baby, and
parents’ difficulties managing the needs of a large
family. Apart from some very mild flirting (two of the
characters are teens, after all), there’s nothing iffy in
this funny spin on modern family life.
- Families can talk about coping with change. Kids: How do you respond to big changes in your life? Do you find the prospect of change exciting or frightening? To whom do you turn for help when you face a new challenge?
- Kids: What are your responsibilities within your family? Why are those tasks important? What are the repercussions of not fulfilling your responsibilities? How have your responsibilities changed as you’ve gotten older?
- How does the media portray family life? Do you think shows like this reflect typical American families? Why or why not? How has our definition of family changed throughout history? What role does the media play in people’s acceptance of these changes?
GOOD LUCK CHARLIE centers on the Duncans, an all-American family of five whose comfortable routine is upset with the unexpected arrival of baby Charlotte (aka “Charlie,” Mia Talerico). With mom Amy (Leigh-Allyn Baker) headed back to work and dad Bob (Eric Allan Kramer) busy with his pest-control business, it’s up to teenage Teddy (Bridgit Mendler) and PJ (Jason Dolley) to pitch in caring for their little sister, all the while maintaining their own busy social lives. Both are fairly good sports about it, but 10-year-old Gabe (Bradley Steven Perry) isn’t so understanding, seeing as Charlie’s the reason he’s been relegated to the dreaded status of a middle child.
A successful sitcom is one that resonates with viewers’
own experiences, and family-centered shows like this one face
the challenge of appealing to a diverse array of family
dynamics. When it comes to the modern American household, one
size definitely does not fit all, and honing in on this viewer
niche can be tricky in today’s society.
Fortunately, though,
Good Luck Charlie’s content is well rounded enough
that there’s something for everyone to enjoy (though
viewers expecting any edginess will be disappointed). Whether
it’s a seasoned mom’s uncertainties over returning to
the work force or a tween’s reaction to being overshadowed
by a new sibling, every member of the family will find
something to relate to -- and get a laugh out of the
show’s take on the ups and downs of family life.
Common Sense Media is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing information to help parents make media and entertainment choices for their families.
Member Comments On...
Television Review: Good Luck Charlie
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Enjoyable show! Teddy and PJ Holliday has done really good role in this show! And ya as you have written above about this show, i strongly agree to all the situations. This is a real picture of working parents and their children.
Besides this i also like parenthood tv show.It is closely related to this show.
I usually watch it here:
http://parenthood-episodes-online.download-tvshows.com
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