Mom
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Screen for YOUR familyParent's Guide to Mom
Mom is an American comedy-drama television series that aired on CBS from 2013 to 2021, spanning eight seasons. The show centers on the tumultuous yet ultimately loving relationship between Christy Plunkett, a newly sober single mother, and her estranged, equally recovering alcoholic mother, Bonnie. Set in Napa, California, the series navigates their ongoing struggles with addiction, recovery, and dysfunctional family dynamics as they strive to rebuild their lives and mend their bond, often attending Alcoholics Anonymous meetings together. The show blends humor with heartfelt drama, exploring complex themes of personal growth, forgiveness, and the challenges of single parenthood and intergenerational trauma. It is generally intended for a mature audience due to its frank discussions of addiction, sexual themes, and strong language.
Things to Consider
Substance Use
Substance use and addiction are central, pervasive themes in 'Mom.' The entire premise revolves around characters in recovery from alcohol and drug addiction, their struggles to maintain sobriety, and their past experiences with various substances. Discussions are frequent and explicit, detailing different types of drugs and the impact of addiction.
The show's core plot involves Christy and Bonnie Plunkett, a mother and daughter, both struggling with and recovering from alcohol and drug addiction, attending Alcoholics Anonymous meetings as a central activity. Plot tags for the series explicitly include 'Alcoholism,' 'Drug addiction,' and 'Drug dealing.' Bonnie recounts her past, including 'cooking meth' and 'licking cocaine crumbs out of a shag carpet,' vividly illustrating severe drug abuse. In an episode, new character Jodi is asked, 'So, Jodi, what's your drug of choice? Yatch, trees, grass. What are those? Skis, Buddha, ice. I'm sorry, what's happening? Coke, pot, meth. No alcohol?' explicitly listing various illegal drugs.
Disrespect & Rebellion
Disrespect and rebellion are prominent and recurring elements, particularly in the core mother-daughter relationship between Bonnie and Christy. Their interactions are characterized by frequent sarcastic remarks, biting quips, and open criticism of each other's past and present flaws, often bordering on outright defiance and disregard.
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Additional Context
Best For Ages
TV-14. This rating is justified by the show's mature themes, including pervasive discussions of alcohol and drug addiction, implied sexual content and suggestive dialogue, and frequent strong language. The series often tackles serious subjects with a comedic tone but does not shy away from the harsh realities of its characters' lives and past behaviors, making it more suitable for teenagers and adults.
Good to Know
The show frequently uses humor to address very serious issues like addiction, homelessness, and past trauma. Parents should be aware that while the show promotes recovery and taking responsibility, the characters' past behaviors and current struggles are often depicted with a dark comedic edge and frank dialogue. The portrayal of addiction is realistic and does not shy away from the negative consequences, but also emphasizes the importance of community and support in recovery.
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