The Kids Are Alright

The Kids Are Alright was an American sitcom TV series broadcasted on ABC from 2018 to 2019. It was set in the 1970s, during a time of political turmoil and cultural shifts in the United States of America, but remained focused on weaving a relatable narrative about the joys, sorrows, and complexities in the day-to-day existence of an average American household.

The story revolves around the Cleary clan, a traditional Irish-Catholic family living in suburban Los Angeles. Headed by patriarch Mike Cleary and his wife Peggy, the couple raises their eight sons in a working-class neighborhood. The parents are eager to instill their values in their children, and the family is seen navigating the daily challenges of life in a bustling and lively home.

The Clearys’ family life is marked by constant activity, chaos, and a large dose of humor. With each of their eight boys having a unique personality, the interactions between family members and the situations that arise often create amusing and heartwarming anecdotes and plotlines that make the show highly entertaining.

One of the central characters and primary narrators of the series is the couple's second-oldest son, Timmy. Through his eyes, the audience is introduced to the rest of the family and the world they inhabit. Despite his siblings' chaotic activities and unconventional behavior at times, Timmy remains a dreamer who aspires to pursue a career in the performing arts. This theme adds an extra layer of depth to the series narrative, with Timmy’s dreams symbolizing the broader cultural and social changes taking place across America during the 1970s.

The show draws much of its charm from its accurate depiction of the era's zeitgeist. The Kids Are Alright develops its narrative against the backdrop of the nation's political and cultural landscape, introducing historical events and trends through the happenings in the Cleary household. The show's renewal of nostalgia in its viewers serves as a reminder of a bygone era, using pop culture references, clothes, music, and even the family's singular television set to effectively transport the audience to the 70s.

Michael Cudlitz as Mike Cleary and Mary McCormack as Peggy Cleary bring robust performances. Mike is a man committed to providing for his family and teaching his sons the value of hard work and integrity. He is gruff but loving underneath, and his machismo hides a kind heart. In contrast, Peggy is sometimes sharp-tongued, realistic, and a font of practical wisdom and occasionally surprising compassion. The dynamic between the two is portrayed engagingly, adding depth and flavor to the show.

The Kids Are Alright's main strength is its humor, which is rooted in the familial bonds and the absurdity of everyday situations. The writing is tight and witty, and the show brilliantly portrays the unique bond that exists within large families. Each episode has multiple storylines running concurrently, perfectly encapsulating the chaos of raising eight boys without seeming contrived.

At its core, The Kids Are Alright is about a family navigating a rapidly changing world, focusing on love, honesty, understanding, and the ability to laugh through challenging times. Its portrayal of characters reflects the implications of the socio-cultural shifts that defined the 1970s while narrating an engaging account of the Cleary clan's personal triumphs and tribulations, making it a greatly relatable and down-to-earth sitcom.

Despite its historical setting, the themes the series tackles - familial love, sibling bond, individual dreams, pursuit of happiness, and adjusting to change – are timeless and universal, making The Kids Are Alright a delightful and meaningful watch for diverse audiences. However, its brief lifespan led to its abrupt end after the first season, leaving viewers wanting more of the Clearys' hearty and entertaining tales from the 70s.