Tools for this page
Print

Pop Up Video

(Rated TV-PG, Music videos, Where to watch: VH1, DVD)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

    (Flash is loading. If this text does not disappear you need to install the latest flash version)

    Not age appropriate for kids under 12, age appropriate for kids over 14; suggested age 13.
  • Is it any good?

    4.0
  • Common Sense says

    Poking fun at videos works for teens and up.

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 13–14

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    Much depends on which song is getting the pop-up treatment, but behavior in videos can include everything from drinking to destruction of property and other more serious crimes. The show's writers sometimes resort to poking fun at the performers when they run out of good trivia.
  • Violence:

    The violence depicted in music videos isn't as graphic as that on TV shows, but, nevertheless, you can see anything from fist fights to shootouts.
  • Sex:

    Considering how many music videos feature sex-related material -- lascivious lyrics, scantily clad dancers, Madonna! -- it's no surprise that sex is a common theme in nearly every episode. Runs the gamut from innuendoes to partial nudity.
  • Language:

    Some songs contain offensive language ("damn," "bitch") and often their "pop ups" do, too.
  • Consumerism:

    Yes, from actual products to the music itself. In general, though, commercialism isn't as rampant as in other shows.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Some video performers/characters imbibe and indulge in some/all of the above (drugs, alcohol, tobacco), sometimes to excess.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Pop Up Video

Parents need to know that this addictive trivia/music video show is, above everything else, all about the laughs. Sometimes those laughs are quite cheap, somewhat bawdy, and even downright mean. Still, for viewers with the maturity to get the jokes, it's quite fun.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about music videos in general and how powerful they are at getting the message of a song across. Why do some videos seem to not have anything to do with the actual lyrics? Who comes up with their themes? What types of issues do they address? As for the pop-ups, do they come from left field? How do ideas connect from one to the next? Do the pop-ups make you pay more attention to the video than you might have otherwise? What effects does that have on your viewing?

Want more? Get Common Sense recommendations delivered to your inbox.

Our Members Say

Have you seen it? Review It!

  • What did you think about Pop Up Video?
  •  I think this show is

    for ages

  •  I also give it

  •  Any concerns?

  •  Any highlights?

  •  Love it? Hate it?

  • or to post a review

More Great Stuff For Your Kids

  • New in Theaters

    Fantastic Mr. Fox

    Fantastic Mr. Fox

    Offbeat family adventure may charm adults more than kids.

  • Advice for Parents

    Are Your Kids Obsessed with Twilight & New Moon?

    Are Your Kids Obsessed with Twilight & New Moon?

    Discussion pointers for parents of "twilighters."

  • Must See TV

    Fanboy and Chum Chum

    Fanboy and Chum Chum

    Zany adventures are low on depth but high on imagination.

  • Pick of the Week

    Bestselling Books

    Bestselling Books

    Popular new reads kids are buying today.

  • Download This

    The Twilight Saga: New Moon Soundtrack

    The Twilight Saga: New Moon Soundtrack

    Dark, cool tunes OK for kids too young for the movie.

Give Us a Minute, Get a Lot of Common Sense!
  • Age-appropriate best bets for your kids
  • Weekly email alert with the latest picks, reviews & advice
  • Post your own reviews and share them with friends

This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
A screen name protects your privacy
To post a review or comment you must become a Common Sense Member. It's easy!

Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.

Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations.
A screen name protects your privacy

Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
(optional)
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child

We can make Common Sense just right for you. With a little info about you and your family, you'll get the most out of our site.

Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.

Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!
Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child

Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations
A screen name protects your privacy
Register to add this school to your profile. You'll be able to see and share reviews from parents, teachers, and kids at your child's school.
I'm already a Common Sense member.
Kids under 13 must use a screen name