The Ren & Stimpy Show - TV-Y7
Nasty cat-and-dog duo isn't for little kids.
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Seen the show?
details
- TV Rating: TV-Y7
- Network: Nicktoons
- Cast: Billy West, John Kricfalusi
- Genre: Children, Cartoons, & Animation
- >Available On: DVD
Parents need to know
Parents need to know that there have been several incarnations of this show, including some "lost episodes" that were aired in 2003 under the title Ren & Stimpy: Adult Party Cartoon. Although the original series (which still airs in syndication and is available on DVD) is tamer than that version and was definitely marketed toward grade-schoolers and tweens, between the frequent implications that the main characters are gay and their constant abuse of each other, it's really a much better fit for older tweens and teens. What's more, the show -- which first aired in 1991 -- was ground-breaking in its willingness to disregard social conventions by depicting bodily functions and adding a significant amount of gore to its cartoon violence. The episodes that air on Nicktoons usually offer a somewhat watered-down version, but they still aren't meant for kids.
Families can talk about the trends that this series started (or at least heralded), contributing to the current media landscape in which there are far fewer limits than there used to be. Was the show's influence good (South Park) or bad (arguably, South Park), and what affect has it had on the rest of society? Is society different because we've grown used to watching animated creatures defecate on TV?
Families can talk about the trends that this series started (or at least heralded), contributing to the current media landscape in which there are far fewer limits than there used to be. Was the show's influence good (South Park) or bad (arguably, South Park), and what affect has it had on the rest of society? Is society different because we've grown used to watching animated creatures defecate on TV?
Message
Social Behavior:
There's some South Park-esque lampooning of commercialism and narrow-mindedness, but for the most part, the characters just come across as mean. Lots of humor involving bodily functions (which are presented pretty graphically, for a cartoon).
Consumerism:
Drugs/Alcohol/Tobacco:
Some episodes include humor based on the affects of drugs and alcohol.
Violence
Heavy cartoon violence, with more malice than you'll find in most 'toons. When Ren slaps Stimpy (as he does often), the sense of fun found even when Tom is trying to eat Jerry is absent.
Sex
There's often heavy sexual content for a cartoon that, in theory anyway, is meant for kids. There's also a suggestion of a homosexual relationship between the title characters (particularly in the episodes on DVD).
Language
Common Sense says
What's the story?
Reviewed by KJ Dell'Antonia
In its early-'90s heyday, THE REN & STIMPY SHOW was ground-breaking TV, offering cartoon gore, bodily functions and fluids, crushed heads, oozing brains, and an ongoing fascination with the controversial aspects of sexuality, particularly homosexuality (which isn't portrayed very attractively here). It pre-dated South Park and has a lot in common with Bart Simpson's beloved Itchy and Scratchy Show. It was never pretty, but it was fascinating and often funny. Those early, decidedly mature episodes can be found on DVD, but Nicktoons now airs repeats of a somewhat-defanged version of the show, which included the less-offensive original episodes and those made later, without creator John Krisfaluci. (The show's evolution can be seen in its animation, which goes from intentionally rough to much more polished and plushie-toy ready.)
Is it any good?
No matter what format it's in, Ren & Stimpy is still too edgy and adult for younger children. Teens may enjoy the scatological humor and the occasional attempt at social satire, but Ren & Stimpy's once-shocking take on classic cartooning is old hat now. It's been done, and it's been done better.
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Parents and kids say
All Reviews
There are 11 reviews.
Age 13+
Posted on 05/22/08 by Anonymous Adult contributor
Age 13+
Posted on 07/01/07 by Anonymous Adult contributor
Adult Reviews
There are 3 reviews.
Age 13+
Posted on 05/22/08 by Anonymous Adult contributor
Age 13+
Posted on 07/01/07 by Anonymous Adult contributor
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