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The Big Bang Theory

(Rated TV-14, Comedy, Starring Johnny Galecki, Kaley Cuoco, Jim Parsons, Where to watch: CBS, DVD, Online)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 13, age appropriate for kids over 16; suggested age 13.
  • Is it any good?

    3.0
  • Common Sense says

    Innuendo, stereotypes overshadow sitcom's pluses.

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 13–16

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    Although it's clear that the main guys are good people who just haven't developed the ability to interact with anyone outside of their comfort zone, there's a lot of stereotyping -- both within their group (they love sci-fi and can't talk to women) and on Penny's side of the hall (she exhibits dumb, "bimbo-like" behavior). Raj is Asian; the rest of the cast is Caucasian. Secondary characters of various racial/ethnic backgrounds are occasionally visible.
  • Violence:

    Comical references to some rough behavior; a confrontation with Penny's ex-boyfriend leads to some violence, but the incident isn't shown.
  • Sex:

    Some sexual innuendo. Clear references to masturbation, and characters use words like "penis," "coitus," and "Mac Daddy." Leonard and Sheldon visit a sperm bank. Subtle reference to a homosexual relationship. Penny appears wearing only a towel; Leonard and Sheldon are seen in their underwear.
  • Language:

    Words include "bitch," "bastard," "hell," "damn," etc. -- though a fair amount of the "swearing" is made up of scientific jargon.
  • Consumerism:

    References to sci-fi shows and films and characters, including Luke Skywalker, Darth Vader, Battlestar Galactica, and Klingons. Sheldon wears a Flash Gordon T-shirt. Penny works at the Cheesecake Factory. The show's theme song is by the band Bare Naked Ladies.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    References to alcohol, although the guys seem to prefer juice boxes, soda, and bottled water.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About The Big Bang Theory

Parents need to know that there's a fair amount of sexual innuendo in this sitcom about a group of socially dysfunctional geniuses who start up a friendship with their pretty female neighbor. Expect references to masturbation, as well as words like "penis" and "coitus" amid the scientifically oriented dialogue. The characters are somewhat stereotypical; the guys' "nerdiness" is evidenced by their love of science fiction, abstract theoretical discussions, and inability to talk to women, while Penny exhibits a lot of "blonde bimbo" traits.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about the characteristics typically associated with intelligent people -- particularly in the media. What do terms like "geek" and "nerd" really mean? Are they intended to be insulting or a recognition of someone's intelligence? Families can also discuss whether stereotypes are ever appropriate. Although sitcom writers often use stereotypes to create humor (and sometimes call attention to intolerance), do they ever go too far?

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Our Members Say

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See all 11 member reviews

Most Recent Reviews

  1. Kid Reviewer Age 10
    Lives in California
    I rate this title iffy for age 12 and give it 5.0
    My concerns are:
    • Inappropriate sexual content
    • Inappropriate language
    • Excessive consumerism

    • My highlights are:
    • Good role models

    A little racy for tweens, might fly over there heads though

    I love this show. I think it's really funny but can be REALLY inappropriate. It's about these nerds who try to find fun stuff to do (i.e. Stalking people from 'The Real House Wives of Atlanta' or trying to but every single comic book).

  2. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Indiana
    I rate this title on for age 15 and give it 5.0
    My concerns are:
    • Inappropriate sexual content
    • Inappropriate language

    • My highlights are:
    • Positive messages
    • Good role models

    If your kids are old enough for the language and can understand the humor Its one of the Best shows on TV!

    I love this show! My dorm is always filled come Monday nights with people. There are some sterotypes brought out, however, it seems as if the writers are trying to break the characters of their sterotypes. If your kids are old enough for the language and can understand the humor Its one of the Best shows on TV!

  3. Kid Reviewer Age 12
    I rate this title on for age 9 and give it 5.0

  4. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Texas
    I rate this title on for age 14 and give it 5.0
    My concerns are:
    • Inappropriate sexual content
    • Inappropriate language

    A surprisingly witty traditional sitcom

    "Big Bang Theory" is now on Mondays @ 9:30/8:30c after "Two and a Half Men", so this could become a major hit come fall. It's one of the few smart multi-camera comedies on TV. The intelligence of the writing ranks up there with "The Office". Expect some sexual innuendo in many episodes. Language can be mildly harsh, too. Overall, I love this show and kudos to CBS for moving it after "Men" so it will become a major success in the fall.

  5. Adult Reviewer
    I rate this title on for age 15 and give it 5.0

    ABSOLUTELY BRILLIANT COMEDY WRITING

    hhahhhhahahahhahhhahahahoooaoooaooaoahhahaoaoaooaoaoao choooooooooooke. Yes, this is how funny some scenes can be. Knowing this show has the writers of 2 1/2 men couldn't be better. For the "neo puritan" at heart there is a TUNER if the content repels, even though "decency ratings" for t.v. control how much allowed is, in case some scenes are concluded "riske" my those striving to achieve sainthood, their eyes and ears. Check the word saint to see what you're trying to make, no humans were ever expected by Catholistic ideals. This show and 2 1/2 men are wonderfully timed stand up/sit down multi humor, in the cast where timing of lines done keeps the content moving. Think not, watch comedy not done this way, see what happens. Big Bang, keep it coming as your associate "men" show beautifully does.

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