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In Case of Emergency

(Rated TV-PG, Comedy, Starring David Arquette, Greg Germann, Jonathan Silverman, Where to watch: ABC)

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 15, age appropriate for kids over 99; suggested age 15.

  • Is it any good?

    3.0

  • Common Sense says

    High school pals reunite as pathetic adults.

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 15–18

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    Characters are all pathetic, and most are involved in negative activities (prostitution, corporate crime, binging, stalking). The show is about these characters turning their lives around, though the fact that they're involved in these things is what makes the show funny. Some ethnic humor regarding Koreans and Jews.

  • Violence:

    Exaggerated violence including a punch in the face (causing a broken nose); threats of violence from police officer boyfriend toward girlfriend and male friends. One character considers attempting suicide and ends up shooting himself in the foot with a gun.

  • Sex:

    Scene in "massage" parlor (including off-screen masturbation); revealing clothing; lots of explicit sexual dialogue.

  • Language:

    "Jackass" and "sucks," among other relatively mild expletives.

  • Consumerism:

    Fake junk food brands. Kid wears "Incredibles" t-shirt.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Social drinking. Discussion of taking lithium.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About In Case of Emergency

Parents need to know that this adult-oriented sitcom doesn't feature any good role models to speak of and includes scenes of masturbation (without visible genitalia), a scantily dressed prostitute, and loads of sexual innuendo. One character considers attempting suicide and holds a handgun to his head, and there's some other exaggerated comic physical violence, including hints of potential domestic violence. Relatively mild language.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about how people change after high school. How have parents changed? What changes are they happy about? Not so happy about? Where do teens see themselves in 10 or 15 years? What could stand in the way of teens meeting their goals for the future? The media often presents unrealistic visions of high school life; do you think this version of post-high school life is any more accurate?
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