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Saturday Night Live

(Rated TV-14, Variety show, Starring Tina Fey, Fred Armisen, Rachel Dratch, Where to watch: NBC, DVD, Online)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 13, age appropriate for kids over 18; suggested age 14.
  • Is it any good?

    4.0
  • Common Sense says

    Legendary late-night show funny for teens and up.

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 14–18

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    This show is all about satire and parody -- so plenty of bad behavior appears, but within the context of making fun of it. Role models are mercilessly mocked, and some sexual and racial stereotypes appear, which may offend some viewers (again, though, the goal is always laughs).
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence:

    No major violence. Occasional pretend hitting or kicking, but only in an exaggerated, funny way.
  • Sex:

    Some obviously simulated sex, provocative outfits, lots of sexual banter and innuendo.
  • Language:

    Lots of sexual language and humor. Plenty of mild cursing ("bitch," "hell," "damn," etc.). Lots of plays on words with sexual/racial themes.
  • Consumerism:

    Hosts promote their movies, TV shows, or albums; musical guests promote their albums.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Discussion of and simulated use of drugs, alcohol, and tobacco within comedy sketches. Not a major part of the show.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Saturday Night Live

Parents need to know that much of the show's sexual, political, and racial humor may be too mature for some kids -- but it could also fly right over their heads. Stereotypes abound, from ditzy girls to angry black men, and they're treated with differing levels of social critique -- some shallow, some deeper. Due to the show's live nature, occasional curse words or other unplanned activity occurs (such as when Sinead O'Connor ripped up a photograph of the Pope on air). Many parents may remember their own experiences with SNL growing up and should know that, if anything, the show is tamer now than it was in its early years.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about the show's characters -- especially those based on stereotypes -- to ensure that teens understand the layers of comedy. What makes something funny? Also, what is the purpose of satire in our culture? How do you feel when someone you admire is being made fun of -- like a politician or celebrity? What would our culture be like if we weren't allowed to mock authority figures and role models?

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Our Members Say

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  • What did you think about Saturday Night Live?
  •  I think this show is

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See all 19 member reviews

Most Recent Reviews

  1. Teen Reviewer Age 15
    Lives in California
    I rate this title iffy for age 13 and give it 5.0

    Just a rant. Boy, was it fun to write this.

    Ok, I don't regularly watch this show. I'm mainly writing this review to rant on the user ProudMotherOf6. I read your review for this show, and I laughed so hard, I decided to read the rest of your reviews. Wow. I feel sorry for your kids. I know I'm not a parent or anything, but I do know that there is a time to let go. Your 17 year old will be moving away soon. You can't follow them around all the time and smash their TVs and put them in "time-out" forever. Your 17 year old is way too old for that. It's both funny and disturbing, how protective you are. No Internet? Why? How does this make sense? Plus, if Internet is STRICTLY FORBIDDEN, then how did you write this review? Oooh, I think that somebody has to get their rules straight, or else your children will stop listening to you and transform your household into an Anarchy. In short, stop being a Communist. It's not cool. Peace!

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

    They said the "f

    I think that this show isn't that good. My mom said that it used to be funny, which I can't believe. The only good part is the "just kidding" lady. Oh, yeah, and on one episode they said the "f" word... LIVE... ON TV... I could HEAR it! So the cursing is bad because of that, I think. So ages twelve or thirteen or maybe even fourteen plus are prolly okay to watch this.

  3. I rate this title iffy for age 11 and give it 4.0
    My concerns are:
    • Inappropriate sexual content

    Good for tweens and older!

    One of my favorite sitcoms! You'll throw your head back and laugh at some funny sketches. Language isn't that much of a concern, but there is a lot of sexual humor. Most skits/sketches are okay for kids 11 and up, but some may be a little mature! Peace.

  4. Teen Reviewer Age 14
    I rate this title iffy for age 13 and give it 4.0
    My concerns are:
    • Inappropriate sexual content
    • Inappropriate language

    Sometimes Funny/Sometimes Inappropriate; Teens Only

    SNL can be very funny at times. To the point of not being able to speak or breath. Having said that, a lot of the jokes have a sexual theme or reference certain body parts. Most of time when this happens, I'll just turn the TV off and go to bed. Not because of the content, but because it just plain isn't funny. Even with the inappropriate stuff aside, younger kids will not get any of the jokes, which focus mainly on making fun of society. Bottom Line: Stay up and watch at least the first cold open (which is usually political and very funny) and a little after that. Very rarely is there anything inappropriate in that section of the show. After that, teens only.

  5. I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 5.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence
    • Inappropriate sexual content
    • Inappropriate language
    • Excessive consumerism
    • Drinking, smoking, or drug use
    • Negative message
    • Negative role models

    Everything's Wrong With It... But Still Watch It!

    It's funny and inappropriate in EVERY way, but I think it's funny and that's really in my eyes all that matters. I have been watching the show religiously since I was 2.

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