Free Radio

Review

Common Sense Media says

Edgy mock docu mixes improv laughs, insults.
greenON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
yellowPAUSE: Know your child; some content
may not be right for some kids.
redOFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
not for kidsNOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age.

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Quality
 
Sometimes media can be age appropriate but a real waste of time. Our star rating assesses the media's overall quality.

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Parents say

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Kids say

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What parents need to know

Parents need to know that some viewers may find the humor of this improvisational "mockumentary" comedy -- which follows an inexperienced radio host who becomes popular due to his silly, tactless, and often offensive on-air commentary -- insensitive rather than funny. Expect some strong sexual innuendo, references to violence, and salty language ("bitch," "ass"). There are frequent quest appearances by celebrities like Kiefer Sutherland.

  • Positive messages0
    Lance has good intentions, but he consistently makes silly, foolish, and insulting remarks on and off the air. His popularity is a result of his buffoonery, and management exploits him because of it. The KBOM staff is male and female and Caucasian. Guests are male and female and from various ethic/racial backgrounds and sexual orientations.
  • Violence0
    Guests occasionally threaten to slap, punch, or knock Lance out as a result of his foolish remarks during interviews.
  • Sex3
    Some strong sexual innuendo, including homoerotic references. Women are sometimes referred to as "chicks," and Lance requests women with "big boobs" on his billboards. One guest imitates a commercial for a feminine hygiene product. Some of the artists seen on posters are wearing revealing clothing. Veronica rubs and spanks her buttocks after trying on some underwear and invites others to spank her (but not in a violent context). Discussions of lesbians and "three ways."
  • Language3
    Audible language includes words like "bitch" and "ass." Stronger terms are bleeped out (even those spoken in Indonesian). Words like "moron" and "boob" are used to describe Lance, and words like "nuts," "wiener," "dick," and "package" are used to describe male genitalia.
  • Consumerism3
    Guest appearances by celebrities include Kiefer Sutherland, Jack Coleman, Angela Kinsey, etc. References are made to other personalities, like Christopher Walken, Wanda Sykes, and Carson Daly. Pictures of music celebs are seen in the background, and music from various bands is featured throughout the episode (and available on VH1's Web site). Spanx undergarments are featured in one episode.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking0
    Occasional references to alcohol.
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What's the story?

FREE RADIO is an improv comedy series about Lance (Lance Krall), a rather dimwitted radio intern who, after the station's popular shock jock leaves for another gig, becomes the host of his own show, "Moron in the Morning." Along with weather-girl-turned-co-host Anna (Anna Vocino), Lance interviews A-list guests ranging from TV stars to fashion trendsetters. His awful interviewing skills -- which usually result in ridiculous gaffes, on-air temper tantrums, and insulted celebs -- make him pretty hard to take seriously. But, much to the dismay of station manager James Reed (Brian Huskey), Lance's serious lack of talent scores major ratings.

Is it any good?

 

This mockumentary-style series features lots of subtle humor resulting from reactions to Lance's foolish commentary. The best moments actually come from the celebrity guests' responses to the actor's improvisational style. But some viewers might find Lance's remarks too insensitive to be funny.

Free Radio isn't an age-appropriate choice for young kids or even young teens, especially since it includes some strong sexual innuendo and some salty language. But for viewers mature enough to handle it, the series offers some great entertainment.

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What families can talk about

Families can talk about intentionally rude or insensitive behavior in TV shows (particularly comedies). What's the difference between "poking fun" at someone and being insulting? Is it OK for comedies to cross the line between the two? Who decides what's funny and what's just plain rude? Families can also talk about the mockumentary genre. What kinds of things make these comedies look or sound like real documentaries? Does anything make it obvious that they're not?

This review was written by Melissa Camacho

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This review was written by Melissa Camacho
TV rating:NR
Network:VH1
Cast:Anna Vocino, Brian Huskey, Lance Krall
Genre:Comedy
This review was written by Melissa Camacho
 

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About our rating system
ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids.
OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
Learning ratings
BEST: Really engaging, great learning approach.
GOOD: Pretty engaging, good learning approach.
FAIR: Somewhat engaging, OK learning approach.
NOT FOR LEARNING: Not recommended for learning.
Our child development rating guidelines

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