The Amanda Show - TV-Y7

Variety show cast claws for cheap laughs.

TV Rating: TV-Y7 Network: Nickelodeon Cast: Amanda Bynes, Adam Brody, Drake Bell, Raquel Lee Genre: Variety Show
Available on: DVDDownload

Common Sense Note

Parents need to know that this show is mired in violent cartoon humor, questionable social behavior (including stereotypes), and strange gross-out punchlines that dilute the appeal of star Amanda Bynes. Kids will find this show very stimulating, though whether they're agitated or amused after watching it is something to observe.

Families can discuss the difference between funny and crudeness. Can a joke be successful without disrespecting the participants? Does hitting someone in the head with a computer console make for good laughs? How does it feel when someone makes fun of another person's accent or cultural background?

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Common Sense Review

Reviewed By: Joly Herman

Violence has a deeply rooted history in slapstick comedy -- The Three Stooges made it into an art form back in the 1940s. But for young viewers, violence like that found in THE AMANDA SHOW is disturbing precisely because it is the point of the skit, rather than a side note. This is certainly not a show to relax with, as it is so chaotic and loud that the effect is unsettling.

Despite her circumstance, Amanda Bynes (who also stars in What I Like About You) has an inherent comedic talent. Her Judge Trudy is a great caricature of the infamously sharp Judge Judy of daytime TV. Her characters are consistently funny and precise. Over all, Amanda handles the show with maturity and grace, and for this reason she could be seen as a role model.

Some questions that are raised here have to do with desperation and parody. There is a sense in the show that nothing is sacred and nobody is safe from being ridiculed or being subjected to play violence. For adults this may be appropriate, but for young audiences, it's hard to know what is acceptable and what is off-color. What will people do for a laugh? What do we gain or lose when people are made fun of or hurt for laughter's sake? Is extreme anger funny or scary? How does it feel to watch family members yell and scream, even when it is supposed to be funny? The Amanda Show treats these issues as non-issues, which is exactly why parents should take the time to view this show with their kids.

Better choices for this age group might be comedies like Ned's Declassified School Survival Guide and Even Stevens.

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Content		CS	adults	kids
Content
Sexual Content Some skits refer to nudity without sexual context.
Violence Cartoon violence is extreme. People are hit in the head with anything available (computers, chairs, baseballs etc.). Some extreme anger and lots of yelling can be scary for younger viewers.
Language Words like "butt" and "pee" are commonly used. Using these words for gross-out effects, or to offend other cast-members, is also common.
Message
	Social Behavior Some racial stereotypes. Disrespect of elders and making fun of people with accents is also disconcerting. Amanda's behavior is not exemplary.
	Commercialism Lots of pizza consumption and emphasis on nice clothes, but nothing too pointed.
	Drug/Alcohol/Tobacco There is a "stoner" character, who might be that way naturally, but it's not to tough to figure out why he acts stoned all the time.