While scrolling through the endless streaming options in search of a fun show to watch with your kids, you might have landed on Bob’s Burgers. At first glance, this cartoon about a family who runs a burger joint might seem like the perfect family viewing experience. But just because it’s animated, doesn’t mean it’s child-appropriate. So, is Bob’s Burgers for kids? Read on for our take on if this popular show is appropriate for children.
Bob’s Burgers is a satirical, animated sitcom from Fox centered around the Belcher family. Bob Belcher, a third-generation restaurateur, runs his burger shop along with the help of his wife and their three kids.
Although initially met with mixed reviews, the show has since grown in popularity, earning multiple Emmys and being named one of the 60 greatest TV cartoons of all time by TV Guide. Bob’s Burgers is known for its irreverent humor and has been compared to the likes of The Simpsons.
Bob’s Burgers is rated TV-PG. According to the TV Parental Guidelines rating system, that rating indicates the show “contains material that parents may find unsuitable for younger children” and suggests that “many parents may want to watch it with their younger children.” Common Sense Media rates Bob’s Burgers as appropriate for ages 13+.
While not heavy on four-letter-words (although they do occasionally come up), the language in Bob’s Burgers isn’t squeaky clean. It includes frequent use of words like “damn,” “hell,” and “bastard,” along with crude references to body parts, fluids, and functions.
Any sex and nudity in Bob’s Burgers is fairly mild and mostly involves suggestion and innuendo. There are some dirty jokes, including use of the words penis and vagina, and in one episode, the Belchers visit a town full of old swingers. With the exception of a few instances of mooning where characters' bare butts are shown, other nudity is merely suggested. For example, season three features a nude beach, but it’s animated in such a way that, while people are naked, no explicit body parts are shown.
Aside from some pretty run-of-the-mill slapping and pushing between siblings, Bob’s Burgers doesn’t have violence to speak of. Any instances of blood and gore are done for comedic value and are not especially graphic. For example, in an episode where Bob gets stitches, blood splatters on the car window and Bob’s wife Linda’s face on the ride home, but it’s clearly meant for humor. Violent, adult topics are discussed, though, including cannibalism, murder, and jokes about child molestation.
If you’re looking for a family show filled with uplifting messages and heartwarming plots, Bob’s Burgers probably isn’t for you. The characters at times behave in ways some viewers might find negative, such as mocking each other and spreading rumors. The humor is often crass and includes jokes about sexual abuse, disabilities, and other sensitive topics.
Despite being animated, Bob’s Burgers is an adult show filled with irreverent humor and mature themes. While most teens should be able to grasp the satire, it’s not particularly appropriate for younger kids who may take the humor at face value.
If you notice your child looking up Bob’s Burgers clips on YouTube or social media, talk to them about their experience with the show. You can supervise your child’s online activity with BrightCanary. The app’s advanced technology scans your child’s activity and messages, alerting you when they encounter something concerning. While BrightCanary doesn’t yet cover streaming services where your child might encounter Bob’s Burgers, the app provides the most coverage across Apple devices and online platforms where children are most at risk. Download the app and get a free trial today.
