The Catherine Tate Show - TV-14

British sketch comedy is fun for teens and up.

TV Rating: TV-14 Network: BBC America Cast: Catherine Tate, Mathew Horne, Derren Litten Genre: Comedy
Available on: DVD

Common Sense Note

Parents need to know that this British sketch comedy series pokes fun at exaggerated character stereotypes (a crotchety grandma, an impertinent teen, etc.) as well as issues like mental health, homosexuality, and body humor. Strong language and mature themes are the main concerns, but it's likely that little of what's shown here will be new to teens. (It's worth noting that the show is a big hit with British kids, who've latched on to several of its catchphrases.)

Families can talk about comedy in entertainment. How does the comedy in this series compare to others you've seen? How would you describe this comedy style? Is it funny to you? What parts were the most entertaining? Were there any parts that you just didn't get? How much does a person's culture affect their grasp of certain types of humor? What are some of your favorite funny shows or movies? What do you like about them?

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Common Sense Review

Reviewed By: Emily Ashby

In British sketch comedy series THE CATHERINE TATE SHOW, comedienne Catherine Tate stars as a multitude of outrageous characters whose various antics are fodder for the show's rib-tickling humor.

As the pulse of the show, the multi-talented Tate -- whose comedy style is reminiscent of Tracey Ullman's -- proves she's certainly not one to be typecast. Her bevy of regular characters includes an overtly effeminate middle-aged man who scathingly responds to assumptions that he's gay with a condescending "How very dare you"; an uncouth woman who often finds herself in embarrassing situations; a crotchety elderly woman who hides a foul-mouthed, racist side; and an impertinent teen who's never without something to say (often along the lines of a bored "Am I bovvered?" -- which has become a huge catchphrase in England) about life's little travesties.

Each episode includes about eight brief skits, with Tate bolstered by a revolving cast of supporting comics. In addition to starring in the series, she also writes much of the material; the outcome is 40 minutes of very satisfying comedy -- especially for those who appreciate British humor (though Tate's talent allows her to transcend the cultural barrier).

But check it out before letting your teens tune in, as the language can be strong and issues like sexuality are often at the heart of the humor.

Fans might also enjoy Spoons, Saturday Night Live, and MadTV.

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Content		CS	adults	kids
Content
Sexual Content Sexuality is sometimes the brunt of jokes, as with an effeminate man who discounts assumptions that he's gay.
Violence
Language Various versions of "f--k" are bleeped; words like "Christ," "ass," and "s--t" aren't.
Message
	Social Behavior Body humor (passing gas in a crowded car, for instance) and jokes at the expense of homosexuals, the mentally ill, and other fairly mild character stereotypes are the name of the game.
	Commercialism
	Drug/Alcohol/Tobacco Some scenes show adults smoking or drinking beer, wine, or champagne.