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Charles in Charge (1984) Parents Guide: Is the series OK for kids?

Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language

Charles, a 19-year-old student at the fictional Copeland College in New Brunswick, New Jersey, works as a live-in babysitter in exchange for room and board.

TV-G • 1984 • 5 seasons

6.1
Average rating by Bontent members
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Age
8+

Charles in Charge is an '80s sitcom that earns its TV-PG rating primarily for its focus on young adult dating and some mild thematic content. The show centers on a college student babysitter, so plots frequently revolve around his romantic misadventures, which include mild innuendo, kissing, and discussions about attraction and relationships. There is no significant violence or profanity, and any substance use is limited to occasional… Sign up for the full guide

Cast

Scott Baio
Scott Baio
Willie Aames
Willie Aames
Nicole Eggert
Nicole Eggert
Josie Davis
Josie Davis
Alexander Polinsky
Alexander Polinsky
Ellen Travolta
Ellen Travolta
James T. Callahan
James T. Callahan
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Is Charles in Charge appropriate for kids?

Charles in Charge is an '80s sitcom that earns its TV-PG rating primarily for its focus on young adult dating and some mild thematic content. The show centers on a college student babysitter, so plots frequently revolve around his romantic misadventures, which include mild… Read more — free account

Content severity in Charles in Charge Sign up for season-by-season breakdown

Substances Mild 2/10
Language Moderate 4/10
Sex/Nudity Strong 6/10
Violence/Gore Moderate 4/10
Mature Themes Moderate 4/10

Sex and nudity in Charles in Charge

Sexual content is limited to innocent flirting, crushes, and mild romantic tension typical of teenagers and young adults. Charles frequently dates, and there are occasional discussions about attractiveness or going on dates. Kisses are brief and chaste. No innuendo, suggestive clothing, or explicit discussions are present. In "Isn't That What's Her Face?" a female movie star expresses interest in Charles, but this remains chaste and comedic.

Violence and gore in Charles in Charge

Violence is minimal and strictly comedic. There are instances of slapstick, such as pies in the face during a game show, or characters experiencing minor physical mishaps played for humor. An attempted holdup scene is depicted without graphic detail or serious threat. No graphic injuries or realistic fight scenes are shown.

Language in Charles in Charge

The language is consistently mild throughout the season, typical of a family sitcom from the 1980s. Mild exclamations like "darn," "heck," or "oh my gosh" are occasionally used. There is no profanity or offensive language.

Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in Charles in Charge

Alcohol use is generally absent. Characters are occasionally seen in settings where adults might implicitly be drinking, but no obvious consumption, intoxication, or discussion of substances occurs. A recurring setting is a pizza parlor, where only non-alcoholic beverages are shown or implied.

Mature themes in Charles in Charge

Themes include responsibility, friendship, and navigating common teenage challenges like dating, school projects, and sibling rivalries. Episodes often revolve around Charles providing guidance or resolving everyday family conflicts. Some themes address minor deceptions for comedic purposes, such as in "The Loan Arranger" where a character pretends to be wealthy, or in "Isn't That What's Her Face?" where a celebrity poses as someone else. There's also attention to coping with peer pressure and learning to be…

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Scary moments in Charles in Charge

No standout scary moments have been catalogued for Charles in Charge yet. Because this title is recommended for younger kids, sign up to get community-flagged jump scares, tense scenes, and startling imagery as parents submit them.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Charles in Charge appropriate for kids?

Bontent's parent guide suggests Charles in Charge is best for ages 8+. It's rated TV-G. Charles in Charge is an '80s sitcom that earns its TV-PG rating primarily for its focus on young adult dating and some mild thematic content. The show centers on a college student babysitter, so plots frequently revolve…

What age rating does Charles in Charge have?

Charles in Charge is rated TV-G. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 8+.

What is Charles in Charge about?

Charles in Charge is an '80s sitcom that earns its TV-PG rating primarily for its focus on young adult dating and some mild thematic content. The show centers on a college student babysitter, so plots frequently revolve around his romantic misadventures, which include mild innuendo, kissing, and discussions about…

How many seasons does Charles in Charge have?

Charles in Charge has 5 seasons covered in this parent guide. Sign up to see a season-by-season breakdown.

Is there sex or nudity in Charles in Charge?

Our reviewers didn't note meaningful sexual content across Charles in Charge.

How violent is Charles in Charge?

Violence isn't a standout concern across Charles in Charge per our reviewers.

Is the language in Charles in Charge appropriate for kids?

Strong language isn't flagged across Charles in Charge.

Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in Charles in Charge?

Drug, alcohol, and smoking depictions are minimal across Charles in Charge.

What mature themes appear in Charles in Charge?

Heavy thematic material isn't a defining feature of Charles in Charge.

Where can I read the full Charles in Charge parent guide?

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