Common Sense Media Review
By Melissa Camacho
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Heartfelt comedy has language, bullying, and drinking.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 10+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Son of a Critch
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
Based on comedian Mark Critch's memoir, SON OF A CRITCH is a Canadian coming-of-age comedy about growing up in St. Johns, Newfoundland and Labrador. It's 1986, and 11-year old Mark (Benjamin Evan Ainsworth) is the son of local radio station announcer Mike Critch (played by Mark Critch), and lives with him, his mom Mary (Claire Rakin), and his older brother Mike Critch Jr. (Colton Gobbo). He also shares a bedroom with his grandfather, Patrick "Pop" Critch (Malcom McDowell). Mark's recently transferred to St. Theresa's across town to attend junior high school, and he's constantly bullied by a girl known as "Fox" (Sophia Powers) and her older brothers, all of whom are known for being school bullies. Luckily, he befriends Richie Perez (Mark Ezekiel Rivera), a Filipino boy who's the only person of color at the school. There's lots of challenges, but Mark also learns about friendship, growing up, and being himself along the way.
Is It Any Good?
The heartfelt series, shown as a flashback narrated by the adult Mark Critch, paints a picture of life for an 11-year-old boy with an old soul living in a small town. There's lots of colorful characters and some family chaos thanks to Mary and Pops' outspoken behavior. There are more complications at junior high school, especially when being taught by Catholic teachers like Sister Margaret (Petrina Bromley), and being bullied by the Foxes. But despite Son of a Critch being based on a personal memoir, these antics lean into some stereotypes, Nonetheless, the main cast is likable, and there are some positive lessons to be learned here.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about bullying. Why do people do it? Why should we help those who are being bullied? What about helping the bullies themselves?
What messages does Son of a Critch teach us about being ourselves? How can we feel good and get along with others when we sometimes feel so different from them?
TV Details
- Premiere date: July 24, 2023
- Cast: Mark Critch , Mark Ezekiel Rivera , Malcolm McDowell
- Network: CW
- Genre: Comedy
- Topics: Book Characters , Friendship , Middle School
- Character Strengths: Communication , Compassion , Perseverance , Self-control
- TV rating: TV-PG
- Award: Common Sense Selection
- Last updated: August 23, 2023
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