Little Britain - TV-14
TV Rating: TV-14
Network: BBC America Cast: David Walliams, Matt Lucas, Paul Putner
Genre: Comedy
Available on: 
DVDDownload
Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that this over-the-top British sketch comedy series has lots of simulated nudity -- the male stars don topless, rotund female costumes for some skits. They also sometimes sport thongs themselves, leaving little to the imagination. Much of the show's purposely crass humor involves stereotypes of groups including homosexuals, the overweight, the disabled, and the elderly.
Families can talk about comedy. How would you characterize the humor in this series? How does it compare to comedy you've seen in other shows and movies? Did you find this kind of humor funny? Why or why not? Parents can also talk with their teens about getting laughs at other people's expense. What groups of people are the brunt of the jokes in this series? Can you relate to them at all? How so? Have you ever been the subject of other people's laughter? How does it feel?
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Emily Ashby
British sketch comedy LITTLE BRITAIN offers an off-kilter view of English society, as seen through the eyes of writers/co-stars David Walliams and Matt Lucas. The show pokes fun at British misfits, whose many misadventures fuel the series' ribald humor.
Little Britain is chock full of colorful characters, all of whom are played by the versatile Walliams and Lucas. Meet Daffyd, the proudest gay resident of a small Welsh town, who sports a variety of skimpy rubber suits and takes offense when other homosexuals tread on his turf. Or Marjorie Dawes, the leader of a weight-loss group called the Fat Fighters, who conveniently overlooks her own considerable size when she belittles members for their food weaknesses. Former Olympic athlete turned professional resort resident Bubbles Devere divides her time between prancing through the spa in a cover-up that barely covers her substantial frame and dodging the manager, who's pushing her to settle her bill. And transvestite friends Florence and Emily prove that beauty is more than skin deep as they try to blend into modern society (though Florence's mustache makes it somewhat difficult).
There's no denying the comic talent of Little Britain's two stars, but the show's decidedly British humor will make it an acquired taste for many American viewers, who likely won't get some of the social and political undertones that make it such a hit with Britons.
Parents will probably want to preview the show before giving teens the OK, since lots of the jokes are based on sexual orientation, appearances, and various physical and mental handicaps. Nudity is also an issue -- one flamboyant male character often wears a thong, and the actors sometimes don costumes that look like naked female bodies.
Fans may also enjoy the granddaddy of all British sketch shows, Monty Python's Flying Circus, as well as Spoons, The Catherine Tate Show, and MADtv.
Rate It!
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Sexual ContentMale characters wear thong underwear. Actors dress in suits that make them look like naked heavyset women. Conversations often refer to sex: A man says he wants a "good hard shag," and a woman encourages a gay friend to get "some bum." Homosexuality is the brunt of multiple jokes. |
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ViolenceInfrequent comic scuffles never result in injury. |
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Language"Bitch" is popular. |
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Social BehaviorThe series is based on jokes at the expense of people who are elderly, overweight, disabled, homosexual, etc. Any and all personality quirks are exploited for laughs. Body humor is prevalent, as when a woman urinates on the floor without notice. |
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Drug/Alcohol/TobaccoSome sketches show characters smoking or drinking alcohol. |
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