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South Park

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 15, age appropriate for kids over 18; suggested age 15.

  • Is it any good?

    4.0
  • Common Sense says

    Outrageous humor with a message. NOT for kids.

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 15–18

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    The show uses gross-out humor to address serious issues. Audience members are meant to see past offensive content in favor of its socio-political commentary. One character, Cartman, is the embodiment of selfish egotism, and none of the children should be considered role models.
  • Violence:

    Mainly cartoon violence; none of it is scary. One character, Kenny, dies in each episode, usually in a brutal fashion.
  • Sex:

    Jokes about hermaphrodites, homosexuality, promiscuity, and more. Plotlines usually involve at least some sexually related content.
  • Language:

    Fourth-graders swear like sailors, spouting racist, homophobic, and anti-semitic slurs. Even "s--t" airs unbleeped -- though syndicated versions of the show censor that and a lot of other words.
  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Characters who use drugs (illegal and prescription) and alcohol are usually portrayed in a negative light.

What Parents Need to Know

This review of South Park was written by Marjorie Kase

Parents need to know that this show, while animated, isn't meant for kids. There's constant swearing, cartoon violence, potty humor, jokes about sexuality, and mocking of authority figures. One character is made fun of for being physically and developmentally disabled, another for his weight. One of the main characters dies in each episode. People of every race, class, gender, religion, and credo are parodied, albeit usually with the intent of proving a point against hypocrisy and political correctness. Episodes aired in syndication have been edited for content to meet network broadcasting standards.

Families Can Talk About

Talk to your kids about the media in their life. We have more tools and tips that can help
  • Families can talk about what life is really like as a fashion photographer. Is the fashion industry as glamorous as it seems? How different are its standards from the real world? Which is more valued -- inner or outer beauty? Why? And for that matter, who's deciding how beauty is defined? How do the fashion industry's values trickle down to popular culture?
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More on South Park

What’s the Story?

Brought to you by gross-out impresarios Matt Stone and Trey Parker, SOUTH PARK is an animated show featuring the bizarre exploits of four foul-mouthed elementary school children. Cartman is obnoxious, racist, anti-Semitic, overweight, spoiled, and selfish; Stan is earnest and afraid of girls (especially Wendy Testaberger, whose mere presence provokes vomit); Kyle is Jewish and confused about his identity, which isn't helped by Cartman's constant insults; and Kenny (R.I.P.) is mysteriously killed off in each episode under dubious circumstances. Insanity (and inanity) prevails in the boys' small mountain town as it's constantly overcome by strange events involving celebrities, the supernatural, and the just plain weird. Cows are abducted by aliens, snowmen go on killing sprees, and a piece of excrement teaches kids about the spirit of Christmas.

Is It Any Good?

Shocking, offensive and hilarious, South Park continues to undermine authority with its creative and insightful critiques of the media, politics, and celebrity hype. Occasionally, the show's point gets muddled in its outrageousness, but, for the most part, it's still as fresh as it was in its first few years.

South Park includes very mature content that is inappropriate for kids and young teens. Parents should be aware that the show requires a certain level of sophistication to understand its essential message. They may want to pre-screen the show and watch episodes with their teens to provoke further discussion on the issues being addressed.

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Our Members Say

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Most Recent Reviews

  1. I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 5.0
    • My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence
    • Inappropriate language
    • Excessive consumerism
    • Drinking, smoking, or drug use
    • Negative message
    • Negative role models
    • My highlights are:
    • Positive messages
    • Good role models

    syndicated

    rated pg 2004 movie but SOUTH PARK is coming soon at Hallmark Channel. on Hallmark Movie Channel will be 2 Movies on SOuth Park Hall mark Channel gets every TV-PG rating at 2/15/2010

  2. Parent Reviewer
    I rate this title iffy for age 13 and give it 5.0
    • My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence
    • Inappropriate sexual content
    • Inappropriate language
    • Negative message
    • Negative role models

    South Park from a parents perspective

    This is show is better than it's earlier movie but still isn't for all ages or even for some tweens. This is fine for 15+ since they hear much worse language at their own schools. But for these teens it is a fine show. I accual watch it with my son and that's why I give it *****, five stars.

  3. Kid Reviewer Age 11
    I rate this title off for age 14 and give it 4.0
    • My concerns are:
    • Inappropriate sexual content
    • Inappropriate language
    • Drinking, smoking, or drug use
    • Negative message
    • Negative role models

    Not suitable at all in any way.

    Really funny, but not suitable.At all. What so ever. This is probably the least suitable show I know. My parents laugh at me for thinking I might be allowed watch it when I ask if I can watch it, thats how bad it is!

  4. Parent Reviewer
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 5.0
    • My highlights are:
    • Positive messages
    • Good role models

    Perfect for everyone!

    This show is for people who are awesome. Show it to your kid! everyone in school will love them!

  5. Teen Reviewer Age 14
    I rate this title off for age 14 and give it 1.0
    • My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence
    • Inappropriate sexual content
    • Inappropriate language
    • Drinking, smoking, or drug use
    • Negative message
    • Negative role models

    Best for Adults

    This show is horrible non-stop STRONG LANGUAGE! makes fun of EVERYTHING!!

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