Common Sense Note

Parents need to know that though ALF features a puppet, it's not really meant to be a little kids' show. Children may enjoy the show, particularly since much of the broad humor will appeal to them, but ALF himself is sarcastic, insulting, and crass. There's a lot of toilet humor, and a fair amount of ALF mocking authority figures. ALF is additionally in danger of being discovered and studied/dissected by the military, but the tension is quite light and won't distress any but the most sensitive viewers. Parents' main worry will be ALF's rude mouth. He doesn't understand human ways, and he finds an awful lot of the things we do to be stupid. Maybe so, and maybe that's funny to children who themselves are learning society's rules, but parents might not appreciate their kids imitating ALF's attitude. Nonetheless, ALF has aged pretty well and is still worth watching, particularly by kids who have a sci-fi bent, or by families who are hoping ALF can be a gateway show to help children develop an appreciation for sci-fi and fantasy.

Sexual Content

Very occasional light innuendo, i.e. ALF is interested in what humans look like naked.

Violence

ALF is under constant threat of discovery by threatening military figures but the danger is played for laughs. ALF also often threatens to eat the Tanner family's pet cat, but it's never seriously menacing.

Language

No cursing, but ALF can be a bit sarcastic and free with words like "stupid" or "idiot."

Social Behavior

ALF's many foibles are generally the focus and he learns lessons such as humility and loyalty by making mistakes and getting comeuppance.

Consumerism

ALF had a spinoff cartoon series that kids may want to watch if they like this show.

Drugs / Tobacco / Alcohol

ALF has a fondness for beer, and in at least one episode, he cracks open a cold one with the Tanner family's 6-year-old son before Mrs. Tanner stops him.