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S.O.B.: Socially Offensive Behavior

(Rated TV-14, Reality TV, Starring D.L. Hughley, Where to watch: BET, Online)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 14, age appropriate for kids over 99; suggested age 14.
  • Is it any good?

    2.0
  • Common Sense says

    Edgy but surprisingly boring hidden-camera show.

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 14–18

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    The point of the show is to prove that racism, sexism, stereotyping, and other types of social gaffes are -- as the title suggests -- unwanted and offensive.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence:

    Not an issue.
  • Sex:

    Some segments use sexual innuendo and partial nudity as punch lines. In one episode, a magazine photo shows a woman wearing thong underwear that reveals her buttocks.
  • Language:

    "serious offenders ("motherf--king," "s--t," and "bitch") are bleeped.
  • Consumerism:

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

    Adults are occasionally shown drinking, but it's usually in moderation.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About S.O.B.: Socially Offensive Behavior

Parents need to know that this hidden-camera series contains scenarios that aren't always kid-friendly and has some iffy language ("ass," etc.). And since young children might not understand that the people saying offensive things to unsuspecting "victims" are actually actors who were paid to be rude, parents will definitely want to make that point clear. On the plus side, the show could serve as a catalyst for conversations between parents and older teens about racism, sexism, and other types of socially offensive behavior.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about whether the show truly reflects the way people behave in modern society, or whether certain "bad" behaviors have been inflated for comic effect. What aspects of each situation are realistic and unrealistic? And do you think any of these scenarios could actually happen? Kids and parents can also share their own stories about times they might have felt offended or disrespected by a person they didn't know. When someone hurt your feelings by saying or doing something rude, did you choose to speak up, or did you keep quiet?

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Our Members Say

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Most Recent Reviews

  1. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Missouri
    I rate this title on for age 8 and give it 4.0

    I believe that parents should watch this show with their children that are 11 and older and explain that some of the situations on the show may seem funny ,but there are times when those events can actually happen.

  2. Teen Reviewer Age 17
    Lives in Georgia
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 5.0

    Great!

    I believe this show is exactly what BET needs. Its not only entertaining, but also funny, informational, and accurate. It shows the limits of African-Americans and what they really believe despite what they say.

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