• Is it age appropriate?

  About our ratings

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  Not age appropriate for kids under 12, age appropriate for kids over 14; suggested age 13.

• Is it any good?

  3.0

• Common Sense says

  A twisted comedy about TV addiction. Teens OK.

Why We Rated This for Ages 13–14

What to watch out for

• Messages:

  Generally, Chip acts sociopathically, blackmailing, stalking, stealing, manipulating, and lying to try to convince Steven to be his friend. Chip is also the victim of a negligent mother and absent father. Steven steals cable channels.
• Violence:

  Lots of comic violence. Constant mention of a celebrity trial in which a former child star killed his twin. Chip beats up Robin's date. Chip is unnecessarily violent during a basketball game. Chip and Steven do battle in a medieval restaurant, fighting with swords, battle axes, and jousting. No one is seriously injured. Steven punches Chip. Chip spies on Robin. Chip threatens suicide and jumps, though he doesn't die.
• Sex:

  A brief glimpse of a woman in lingerie on the TV, references to transexuality, brief mention of masturbation. Chip acts sexually toward his cable, rubbing the wall as if it were a woman. Chip hires a prostitute to sleep with Steven, but it happens offscreen. There's some talk about sexually transmitted diseases. Robin and Steven kiss.
• Language:

  Some swearing, including "bastard," "goddamn," "ass," "damn," and "son of a bitch."
• Consumerism:

  Some brands are obvious, including MTV and the restaurant Medieval Times. Lots of TV shows get plugs, including My Three Sons, Jerry Springer, Ren and Stimpy, and the movie Sleepless in Seattle.
• Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

  Steven and Chip drink beers and Steven gives the prostitute tequila.

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