Da Ali G Show - TV-MA

Borat, Bruno, and Ali G -- oh my! Not for kids.

TV Rating: TV-MA Network: HBO Cast: Sacha Baron Cohen Genre: Comedy
Available on: DVDDownload

Common Sense Note

Parents need to know that while this show is extremely popular among teens in the United States and the United Kingdom (even more so since Borat was a big hit), it absolutely earns its TV-MA rating. Every episode is chock full of explicit language and contains occasional racist comments, strong sexual references, and brief moments of nudity. Star Sacha Baron Cohen is an expert at turning excruciating moments into laugh-out-loud humor, but some of the show's social commentary about culture and politics may be too subtle for most kids (and even plenty of adults) to catch.

Families can talk about the ways in which television can serve as a source of social commentary on contemporary issues. Families can also talk about the ethics of "mock" or "spoof" interviews. Is it ethical to pose as a real journalist when you're not, even if it's meant to be funny? What point is the show trying to make? Does the satire help or simply entertain? How can you tell the difference?

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Common Sense Review

Reviewed By: Melissa Camacho

Cult phenomenon DA ALI G SHOW stars popular British comedian Sacha Baron Cohen as Alistair Graham -- better known as West London hip hop "journalist" Ali G -- as he attempts learn about America from unsuspecting Americans.

The series combines reality with the absurd as Ali G, along with Baron Cohen's other two colorful characters -- Kazakhstani TV reporter Borat Sadgdiyev and gay Austrian fashionista Bruno -- conduct interviews with various political and social luminaries, most of whom are unaware that they're actually participating in a comedy show. The trio's "victims" have included the likes of Newt Gingrich, Donald Trump, Pat Buchanan, Sam Donaldson, James Lipton (Inside the Actors Studio), and stylist Jonathan Antin.

Other segments include experts discussing a variety of topics on Ali G's mock talk show and Ali G, Borat, and Bruno traveling around the country interacting with regular Americans. Watching unsuspecting people try to figure out whether these characters are serious or not is the source of a lot of the show's humor. Each character exchanges colorful repartee with -- and poses ridiculous questions to -- susceptible folks at ball games, rodeos, anti-nuclear protests, and more.

While Da Ali G Show has plenty of crude humor, explicit language, sexual references, and brief nudity, the truth is that in many ways it's very clever. The show's unique brand of social commentary is aimed at both teens and adults and puts America's overall sense of humor to the test.

The best part of the show is the talented, Andy Kaufman-like star, who never breaks character while engaging in real-life dialogue about current events. Baron Cohen's interviews might seem nonsensical at first (and, let's face it, some of them are flat-out offensive), but dig a little deeper and you'll realize that they're full of smart word play and sly observations that are not only funny, but also sometimes uncomfortably honest.

Fans will also like the spin-off movies Borat and Ali G Indahouse. Those who can stand uncomfortable humor should be sure to try Curb Your Enthusiasm and The Office, and if you like seeing regular folks subjected to excruciating (but funny!) interviews, don't miss The Daily Show and The Colbert Report.

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Content		CS	adults	kids
Content
Sexual Content Ali G's naked butt is visible at the opening of each episode. Full-frontal nudity (male and female) is briefly visible in various segments, including a photograph of a woman exposing her vagina. The series also has lots of strong sexual references, including descriptions and discussions of various sexual acts.
Violence Ali G tries to present himself as a West London "gangsta," but in reality he's pretty peace loving. The show itself isn't violent, but there are some discussions of violence, including conversations about capital punishment, domestic violence, and war.
Language Frequent use of strong curse words, including various incarnations of "f--k," "c--k," and "s--t." Sexist vernacular ("bitches," "hos") and racial slurs, too.
Message
	Social Behavior While the show has plenty of crude humor, it also serves as a unique kind of social commentary about U.S. politics and culture. The characters' "mock" interviews may strike some people as unethical, but it's all done in the name of humor.
	Commercialism Ali G wears lots of bling and conspicuously branded clothing (particularly Tommy Hilfiger), and Bruno is pretty materialistic.
	Drug/Alcohol/Tobacco Adults smoke and drink in some segments. Includes discussions and descriptive images of illegal drugs.