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Moral Orel

(Rated TV-MA, Comedy, Starring Carolyn Lawrence, Jay Johnston, Britta Phillips, Where to watch: Cartoon Network, 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?

    4.0
  • Common Sense says

    Older teens can tackle this 'toon's adult themes.

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 15–18

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    Most adult characters are anything but moral, serving as questionable role models for both Orel and younger viewers.
  • Violence:

    Occasional hitting and punching for comic effect.
  • Sex:

    In one episode, Orel is caught masturbating at school. When his dad explains that it's a sin to squander sperm when it doesn't result in a human life, Orel decides to play "God's chef" by using a pastry bag -- and the result of his "activities" -- to impregnate unsuspecting women in Moralton.
  • Language:

    No actual swear words, but troubling language (like "crackhead") abounds.
  • Consumerism:

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

    Characters are shown smoking, drinking, and buying and using illegal drugs like heroin and crack.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Moral Orel

Parents need to know that while this satirical Cartoon Network comedy is animated, it's part of the Adult Swim lineup for a reason: It's rife with graphic humor and isn't appropriate for young children. (For example, when the 11-year-old Orel takes a drag from his very first crack pipe, he snaps at his talking Jesus figurine and tells him to shut up.) Troubling content aside, however, the show can serve as a way for parents and older teens to talk about the pitfalls of religious fanaticism -- although families who are deeply religious may find the program offensive.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about the ways in which religious dogma can be misinterpreted by those with good intentions. Does a person who is considered to be religious always act morally? What statement are the creators of this series making about the state of modern-day Christianity? How does this cartoon compare with Davey and Goliath, the early 1960s animated series it gently parodies?

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Our Members Say

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See all 16 member reviews

Most Recent Reviews

  1. Kid Reviewer Age 12
    I rate this title on for age 15 and give it 5.0
    My concerns are:
    • Inappropriate sexual content
    • Drinking, smoking, or drug use
    • Negative message
    • Negative role models

    • My highlights are:
    • Positive messages
    • Good role models

    Good show

    Good cartoon for older kids from 15 to adult! Go's back and forward with it's good and bad messeges

  2. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Florida
    I rate this title on for age 12 and give it 4.0

    It's not that bad

    IT should be TV-PG.

  3. Teen Reviewer Age 14
    Lives in Rhode Island
    I rate this title iffy for age 12 and give it 4.0

    "A very good show"

    While I agree that the very first season of this show was really nothing more then cheap gags and stabs at religion, and NOT for kids, the second and third seasons were some of the best I've ever seen. Oral's father really takes the spotlight in the show, and although not the most appropriate "Moral Orel" can really show how people can basiclly ruin their own lives. And of course. "God works in mysterious ways."

  4. Parent Reviewer
    Lives in Kentucky
    I rate this title iffy for age 16 and give it 1.0

    Meh

    I've watched a few episodes, but I really just couldn't get into it. There's a big 'who cares' factor.

  5. Teen Reviewer Age 16
    Lives in Pennsylvania
    I rate this title on for age 15 and give it 5.0

    The Best Adult Swim Show Ever!

    Ok so i have been a big fan of the show since it came out! I think that if you actually watch more than one episode, that you will see the leasons of the show. There is more meaning to it then most ppl think. The last episode made me cry the most, because it made me happy to see Moral all grown up and taking care of his children! FUCK ALL YOU HATERS

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