 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
30 Rock
Common Sense Media says
SNL alums craft clever media satire.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this sitcom from former Saturday Night Live head writer Tina Fey garners some of its laughs with sexual innuendo and racial stereotypes, but it's the strained working relationships among distinctly different personalities that adult viewers will enjoy (and possibly relate to) most. Teens can probably handle most of the language and sexual content, but parents may want to pre-screen -- or, better yet, watch with them to discuss the show's more mature topics.
What's the story?
Created by Saturday Night Live alum Tina Fey and co-produced by SNL's Lorne Michaels, 30 ROCK takes viewers on a behind-the-scenes tour of a spoofed version of network TV. The show centers on Liz Lemon (Fey), who's the head writer of the fictitious variety program The Girlie Show, which stars her best friend, Jenna (Jane Krakowski). But the unexpected death of Liz's boss and the entrance of his condescending replacement, Jack (Alec Baldwin, who's won awards for the role), sends her into a tailspin. At Jack's insistence, Liz hires arrogant, unpredictable movie icon Tracy Jordan (SNL's Tracy Morgan) to perk up the cast ... and, hopefully, the ratings. As extreme personalities clash and egos swell, Liz must find a way to maintain her sanity among her motley crew of co-workers.
Is it any good?
30 Rock (which gets its title from the nickname of the building that houses NBC's studios in New York City) brings together a great cast -- rounded out by Scott Adsit, Jack McBrayer, and Judah Friedlander -- that expertly delivers the show's off-the-wall humor. Sharp writing backs up their strong performances and encourages viewers to ponder the agendas of the network TV executives who call the shots.
One particularly funny aspect of the show is its satirical take on network TV in particular and conglomerate business in general. As a head honcho at NBC-GE-Universal-Kmart (a business with its hand in every cookie jar?), Jack clearly enjoys making decisions based on whim and expounding on personal mantras, to his subordinates' great confusion. No doubt many adult viewers will enjoy the chance to chuckle knowingly at such a boss. Sexual humor, questionable language, and casual drinking are constants on 30 Rock; parents may want to join their teens for this one so that they can discuss the adult themes that pop up.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about how the media shapes our views. Who decides what we see on TV? Why are some shows green-lit and others not? What makes TV shows successful? What types of shows are popular today? What does that say about our society? Why do classic TV shows (Happy Days, I Love Lucy) seem so innocent today? Was society more genteel back then, or did the networks just candy-coat what viewers saw?
- Show:
- All members
- Parents
- Teens & kids
AGE
Possibly the best show on TV.
This show is amazing! The amazing Tina Fey stars as Liz Lemon possibly the best female character on TV right now. Everyone does amazing jobs acting here especially Alec Baldwin and Tina Fey, their characters are incredible. My mom lets me watch it and watches it with me because she isn't a TV Nazi who cancels her cable because she doesn't like a reference in one TV show. Guess what-- Your kids use that term at school! I bet you they do. They have product placement but they openly talk about it and joke about it.
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AGE
by far, one of the best shows on tv.
i f*ckin love this show. it is hilarious. there is some drinking & sex references though. but there are usually good messages (if you're listening to what LIZ says, and NOT tracy xD). gooo watch this show!!! it is awesome!
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AGE
Best Show On Television
This is by far my favorite show. Anybody who insults it is dead wrong. The vulgarity is delivered in a clever and AWESOME way. And even if you find it offensive... LEARN HOW TO TAKE A JOKE! Don't you think that if this show was not brilliant then it would have been taken off the air? Let alone win multiple awards! If you honestly do not find this show funny then there is most likely something wrong with you that you should probably get checked out by a doctor. If Tina Fey was here she'd tell you something clever to make you deeply loath whatever stupid and equally wrong thing you had uttered about the show, and Alec Baldwin would be here to personally slap you in the face with HIS VERY OWN movie star face (your face wasn't a movie star face, and even if it was I promise it won't be when he's done with it!). That's right. A person can now slap you in the face, with his very own face. BEST SHOW EVER.
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Kid, 12 years old
February 21, 2011
AGE
30 Rock Rocks
This is a deleiriously funny show! Bordering the humor is the mild language and coarse and obvious references to sex only emphasizing how funny it is. In general, this is an eccentric piece of TV for preteen and teen audiences.
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AGE
Good for kids 12+
good show, but not as good as it used to be.
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AGE
Unbelievable
Now I know why I got rid of cable. I happened to turn on my husband's 6" screen test TV the other night and caught this show in progress. I could not believe they were making reference to the term "MILF" which is a teen slang for Moms I'd like to *#!K. WOW!! Thanks for the reminder NBC, of why I have no cable now.
~A mom
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AGE
There ain't no show like a Tina fey show!
And that's true. I believe no other comedienne is as relevant as Fey these days. Yes, there's a little sexual banter, inappropriate language for 6 year old kids, and product placement. But there's no chemistry in television like Alec Baldwin and Fey's. Besides Liz Lemon is a great role model for hard-working people. What more can you ask of a great TV show?
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Kid, 12 years old
March 17, 2011
AGE
LOVE LOVE LOVE IT! So funny its insane! I don't care if they curse because its part of a hillarious joke. lol laughing just thinking about this.
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AGE
Great show! At times, should be rated TV-MA
The show itself is a work of unbelieveable talent. At times the show is just laugh out loud funny. There really isn't anything bad about it. But on another show it could have horrible language, refrences to sexually, including se* itself. Great show... be ready with the mute button when kids are watching.
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| TV rating: | TV-14 |
| Network: | NBC |
| Cast: | Alec Baldwin, Tina Fey, Tracy Morgan |
| Genre: | Comedy |
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