Parents' Guide to

The Spencer Sisters

TV CW Comedy 2023
The Spencer Sisters TV show poster: A mother and daughter walk side by side in front of a blue background with ribbons of police caution tape.

Common Sense Media Review

Stephanie Morgan By Stephanie Morgan , based on child development research. How do we rate?

age 11+

Light investigative drama lacks laughs; has mild sexy stuff.

Parents Need to Know

Why Age 11+?

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What's the Story?

In THE SPENCER SISTERS, Darby Spencer (Stacey Farber) is forced to move in with her mother (Lea Thompson), the author of several mystery bestsellers, after quitting her job as a police officer and finding her boyfriend cheating on her on the same day. Soon, she's teaming up with her mother to form the town's newest investigative duo.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: Not yet rated
Kids say: Not yet rated

A light mother-daughter investigative drama that would be better as a comedy. The Spencer Sisters starts with a tired trope -- the rogue police officer who's smarter than her sergeant -- and is immediately in danger of being just like a million other shows. Things take a welcome turn, when the police officer quits within the first 10 minutes of the pilot, leaving viewers with hope that things will get interesting. Unfortunately, from there the series falls into a strange middle ground; It attempts to be playful but lacks humor, focuses on mysteries but lacks tension, and features two strong female leads (including 1980s darling Lea Thompson) but still suffers under a dated message on women and aging. The result is a bland and predictable show that lacks the bite of Veronica Mars or the wit of Psych, both of which are better viewing choices.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about how the mother and daughter in The Spencer Sisters begin to feel more empathy toward one another. Why is this an important character strength?

  • Why is the show's title The Spencer Sisters despite the lead characters being mother and daughter? What message is that sending about women and aging?

  • How does the suspense and violence in The Spencer Sisters compare to other investigative dramas you've seen? Which style do you like more? Why?

TV Details

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