 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Reed Between the Lines
Common Sense Media says
Sitcom emphasizes strong family unit, some mature themes.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this comedy series, which revolves around an upper-class African-American family, contains positive messages about education, family, and making healthy choices. It also contains some mature themes like divorce, dating, and psychological problems (including sexual dysfunction). Adult cast members are sometimes visible in their underwear, and wine and beer drinking is occasional among adults. All this being said, it is milder than most sitcoms, and older tweens/young teens should be able to handle it.
What's the story?
REED BETWEEN THE LINES stars Malcolm-Jamal Warner and Tracee Ellis Ross as Alex and Carla Reed, two successful professionals raising their three children, teenage twins Keenan (Nadji Anthony Jeter) and Kaci (Zoe Soul), and young daughter Alexis (Zoé Hendrix). While Alex, NYU English professor, teaches online courses from home, Carla works on building her therapy practice with the help of her eccentric receptionist Ms. Helen (Anna Maria Horsford), and acupuncturist Gabriella (Melissa De Sousa). Juggling their careers and their family life isn't always easy, but with a little patience and lots of love, they manage to keep things running smoothly.
Is it any good?
The BET original program feels like a modern-day version of The Cosby Show, thanks to its focus on educated, professional African-American characters and lots of positive messages about the importance of family, friendship, good parenting, and making healthy choices. However, these messages are weaved into some mature story lines about dating, divorce, and psychological dysfunction.
Nonetheless, it's definitely milder than many other sitcoms. It also moves away from using African-American stereotypes to get a laugh. For those who like family-centered comedies, this one will be sure to please.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about the way different families are presented in the media. How realistic does their life seem? Is there anything about their lives that resembles your own? Do you think the way families look and behave on TV and in movies changes over the years?
How is this show different than or similar to other family-oriented sitcoms on television? Why is this show on BET and not a broadcast network?
- Show:
- All members
- Parents
- Teens & kids
Kid, 12 years old
October 9, 2011
AGE
OK
It's just a show about parents who love eachother
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AGE
The Cosby Show for today
I actually like this show. It is the "Cosby Show" of this time. The actors are "real actors" and not just rappers / singers turned actors. All of the adult actors are veterans. The show has a positive message about a blended family that love and support each other. We do not have many shows today that can actually be watched by the entire family like when I was a kid. Being an African-American myself, I am pleased to have a sitcom I can watch with my teen daughter that actually reflects our family and what we can relate to.
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Kid, 11 years old
January 1, 2012
AGE
Reed between the lines
Reed Between The Lines teaches a lot of positive messages. It takes you back to the Cosby show. The show shows you real life situations. There are parents in the show which mean the kids are very responsible. The show may have some inappropriate stuff where Carla and Alex might be kissing or making out. They don't say any bad words at all but, the kids may say the word stupid sometimes. The adults may be drinking beer or wine sometimes. Most of the time it show situations like divorce, love, and bills. Some of these things may be a reason why it shows real life situations. The show does teach lessons like Kaci and Keenan was having a party and a girl wanted to make out with Keenan but he was responsible and he didn't do it. He told an adult which was the right thing to do. This is what shows that the show is responsible. This show is great for most families to see.
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AGE
STAY ON THE AIR
I love this show, I only hope that it will be watched so that it will not get cancelled. What happened to all the Black TV shows? I hardly watch TV anymore, I can't relate!
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AGE
I LOVE!! Reed between the lines
I love this show and I love the roles of each actor. I especially like that it touches family and social issues
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| TV rating: | TV-PG |
| Network: | BET |
| Cast: | Anna Maria Horsford, Malcolm-Jamal Warner, Tracee Ellis Ross |
| Genre: | Comedy |
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