The Cho Show - TV-14

Comedian's reality is funny -- and raunchy.

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Common Sense rates it
3
Seen the show?
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details
  • TV Rating: TV-14
  • Network: VH1, Logo
  • Cast: Margaret Cho, Selene Luna, Young Hie Cho
  • Genre: Reality TV
  • >Available On: Download

Parents need to know

Parents need to know that this somewhat raunchy, partially scripted reality series -- which centers on comedian Margaret Cho and her interactions with her traditional Korean parents, her assistant, and various friends -- features lots of ethnic humor based on Cho's personal experiences as a Korean-American. There's also some salty language (the strongest words are bleeped out), and some pretty strong sexual innuendo, including references to oral sex and homosexual behavior.

Families can talk about the role of Asian Americans on television. Why do you think relatively few TV shows feature Asian actors in leading roles? Do you think Cho's brand of humor could change that? Or does it perpetuate stereotypes about her ethnic community (even though it's based on her own experiences)? Families can also discuss the broader issue of stereotyping in the media. What stereotypes have you seen portrayed on television? How did you feel about them?

Message

Social Behavior:

While Cho's brand of ethnic humor can be perceived as stereotypical, her jokes based on her own personal experience. Her staff is primarily Caucasian, Asian, and gay. Selena Luna is a little person.

Consumerism:

Drugs/Alcohol/Tobacco:

Visible consumption of alcohol (wine, champagne, mixed drinks).

Violence

Sex

Some strong sexual innuendo, including references to oral sex and homosexual activity. Occasional nudity (bare buttocks) is blurred out. Cho and Luna are sometimes seen in their underwear. One episode features Cho making a sex tape, but the tape is more comical than sexy. Cho defines herself as bisexual.

Language

Audible language includes words like "bitch" and "ass" stronger curse words, like "s--t" and "f--k," are bleeped.

Common Sense says

What's the story?

Reviewed by Melissa Camacho

THE CHO SHOW is a partially scripted comedy/reality series that offers a behind-the-scenes look at the life of comedian/fashion designer Margaret Cho. It revolves around Cho, her entertaining assistant Selene Luna, and Cho's scene-stealing parents, Young Hie and Seung Hoon. It also features lots of Cho's friends, fellow comedians, and her devoted "glam squad" -- a group of gay hairdressers, makeup artists, and fashion consultants who are always ready to make her the talk of any Hollywood red carpet.

Is it any good?

3
The show offers plenty of laughs thanks to Cho's trademark brand of ethnic humor. She highlights the daily challenges she faces as an Asian-American comedian in an industry that hasn't completely embraced who she is as a Korean-American and (at least in Hollywood's eyes) a plus-size woman. She also uses her humor to outline some of the conflicted feelings she has about her parents, who, while clearly proud of her success, still pressure her to follow more traditional Korean values.

But while The Cho Show has some insightful, poignant moments, they're counterbalanced by the comedian's raunchier side, which often leads to some silly antics and fringe behavior. That, combined with the strong language and frequent sexual innuendo, makes the show inappropriate for younger viewers, but older Cho fans will find the series entertaining.

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Margaret Cho: Revolution
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