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MADtv

(Rated TV-14, Variety show, Starring Crista Flanagan, Frank Caeti, Ike Barinholtz, Where to watch: Fox, DVD, Online)
  • 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

    Rude, crude SNL wannabe. Proceed with caution.

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 15–18

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    This ribald show is not in the business of promoting any values other than a good laugh. Celebrities and authority figures are mocked, stereotypes and disabilities are played for laughs, and so on.
  • Violence:

    Occasional fist-fights, played for comedy.
  • Sex:

    Rife with sexual innuendo and implied sexual situations.
  • Language:

    Words like "ass," "nuts," "sucks," "bastard," "bitch," and "tard" are thrown around.
  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Hard-core drinking is depicted and cigarettes are used as props. Implied drug use.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About MADtv

Parents need to know that many of the series' sketches explore sexual themes, include explicit terms, and imply drug use and excessive alcohol consumption. American institutions, from the presidency to Oprah, are all fair game for spoofs and satires, some of which may not make a lot of sense to younger viewers.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about the show's brand of humor. Why is satire funny? What makes it work, and when does it fail or fall flat? How do you know when a joke's gone too far? Also, how do you think the writers come up with their ideas? What would you pick as a topic if you were coming up with a sketch for the show?

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Our Members Say

Have you seen it? Review It!

  • What did you think about MADtv?
  •  I think this show is

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See all 20 member reviews

Most Recent Reviews

  1. Kid Reviewer Age 12
    Lives in California
    I rate this title iffy for age 12 and give it 3.0
    My concerns are:
    • Inappropriate language

    Haha this show is funny I love Miss Swan and Bon Qui Qui

  2. Kid Reviewer Age 12
    Lives in New Jersey
    I rate this title off for age 10 and give it 5.0
    My concerns are:
    • Inappropriate sexual content
    • Inappropriate language

    you should think twice before seeing with a tween

    funny show but alot of sexual content and common use of the words B*****d,f****r,b***h,g*y,d**n,s**t,and b******t

  3. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Utah
    I rate this title iffy for age 13 and give it 3.0

    It has its moments.

    Its good humor, but kids need to understand what they are making fun of, not for kids under 11.

  4. Teen Reviewer Age 13
    Lives in New York
    I rate this title iffy for age 2 and give it 5.0

    Very funny show!

    I love the parodies! Especially the High School Musical one. It's hilarious.

  5. Teen Reviewer Age 13
    Lives in Washington
    I rate this title iffy for age 2 and give it 5.0

    Good show

    I've watched this show since I was like 7 and i've thought it was funny ever since. I'm excited because my uncle aunt just moved to southern california and she said when I come to visit her she's going to take me to see it live. :)

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