The Conners – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

The Conners

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

show2018

48%

WISE Score

5.9

IMDb

A working-class family sitcom that's less 'feel-good TV' and more 'feel-meh TV'—real struggles, but not much charm to show for it.

5.9/10

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The Conners

show

TV-PG, 2018

48%

WISE Score

5.9

IMDb

A working-class family sitcom that's less 'feel-good TV' and more 'feel-meh TV'—real struggles, but not much charm to show for it.

5.9

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Screenwise Verdict

Let's be real: The Conners is trying to recapture lightning in a bottle from a show that ended 20+ years ago, and it's... not working. The 5.9 IMDb rating tells you everything—audiences aren't feeling it.

Yes, it tackles real working-class issues, and yes, there's something to be said for showing economic struggles on TV. But the execution is tired, the humor often falls flat, and the family dynamics veer more toward dysfunction than heartwarming.

For parents, this is firmly in the 14+ zone due to mature themes, language, and adult situations. But here's the thing: your 14-year-old probably doesn't want to watch it anyway. This is comfort food for adults who grew up with the original series, not appointment viewing for modern teens.

If you're looking for family sitcoms that actually work, there are better options. This one's skippable unless you're deeply invested in these specific characters.

Age Fit

Best for teens 14+ who can handle mature themes and sarcastic family dynamics. Honestly though, even teens might find it boring—this is really for nostalgic adults who watched the original Roseanne and want to check in on these characters.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

The show tackles real working-class struggles (financial pressure, aging, unexpected pregnancy) with some warmth and family unity, but it's a sitcom that leans into sarcasm, family dysfunction, and sometimes cynical humor rather than modeling consistent kindness or cooperation. The tone can be harsh and the family dynamics often chaotic rather than emotionally healthy.

Imaginative

This is a traditional multi-camera sitcom focused on domestic realism—bills, relationships, in-laws. There's minimal creative storytelling, no fantastical elements, and little that invites curiosity or exploration. It's grounded slice-of-life material without much originality (it's literally a continuation of a 1988 show).

Safe

Common Sense Media rates it 14+, suggesting mature themes and language. As a network sitcom it avoids graphic content, but deals with adult situations (pregnancy, dating, financial stress) and likely includes sexual references, drinking, and language that wouldn't be appropriate for younger viewers. No extreme violence or gore, but not unexpectedly safe for a young child channel-surfing.

Enriching

The show does provide some insight into working-class American life, multi-generational family dynamics, and economic challenges that could spark empathy. However, with a 5.9 IMDb rating, it's clearly not resonating strongly—the entertainment value seems middling, and the ethical/personal growth opportunities are limited by sitcom formula and dated execution.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Depicts realistic economic struggles and multi-generational family life that many households can relate to
Tackles topics like unexpected pregnancy, aging, and financial pressure without sugar-coating
Could spark conversations about class, work, and family responsibility
Widely available across multiple streaming platforms

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What to Watch For

Mature themes and language appropriate for 14+ (sexual references, drinking, adult situations)
Family dynamics lean sarcastic and sometimes mean-spirited rather than warm
The 5.9 IMDb rating tells the real story—critics gave it 75 on Metacritic but audiences aren't buying it
It's a spinoff of Roseanne (2018 revival) after controversy, so the vibe can feel forced and awkward

Conversation Starters

"What do you think makes it hard for families like the Conners to make ends meet?"
"Do you think the family handles their problems in healthy ways, or do they just yell at each other a lot?"
"How would you help a friend whose family was going through money troubles?"

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