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Common Sense Note

Parents need to know that much of the show's sexual, political, and racial humor may be too mature for some kids, or 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.

Families can discuss 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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Common Sense Review

Reviewed By: Sierra Filucci

For over 30 years, NBC's SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE has been broadcasting comedy sketches and musical performances from Studio 8H in Rockefeller Center. Some of today's veteran comedians started on the show -- Eddie Murphy, Bill Murray, Chevy Chase -- and it's where a number of contemporary comedy movie stars also got their first big break, including Mike Myers, Adam Sandler, and Will Farrell.

Over the years, the quality of the show has varied, both from season to season and from episode to episode. But for the most part, SNL has been a place to see solid, live comedy with a broad, mature appeal. Sketches often parody timely events, politics, and celebrities, providing an astute form of social commentary. That's not to say that SNL is highbrow; rather, it balances between the high and the low quite carefully and cleverly. Other similar shows may have topped it comedically (In Living Color, The Kids in the Hall), but none have endured the test of time to become a living institution like SNL.

Some of the series' most memorable recurring sketches and characters include Gilda Radner's "Roseanne Roseannadanna," Eddie Murphy's "Mr. Robinson's Neighborhood," Mike Myers' "Sprockets," Dana Carvey's "Church Lady," Carvey and Myers' "Wayne's World," Julia Sweeney's "Pat," Sandler's "Canteen Boy," Chris Farley's "Matt Foley, Motivational Speaker," and Rob Schneider's "Richard the Copy Guy." Everyone has their own favorite to add to the list. ...

In recent years, Tina Fey's smart, biting delivery as the co-host of the long-standing news parody segment "Weekend Update" has been the highlight of the show. Her role as both performer and head writer for SNL marks a shift from the 1990s, when series creator Lorne Michaels was under fire for a lack of a female voice on the show.

As is common in the world of comedy, stereotypes and sexual and racial humor provide the basis for many of SNL's sketches. Sometimes these stereotypes are simply a method to make fun of a group of people ("The GAP Girls," played by Farley, Sandler, and David Spade in drag), and sometimes they're more textured, both poking fun at and commenting on a problematic aspect of culture (Chris Rock's "The Nat X Show").

Musical guests, who usually play two live songs during the course of the show, are top-rate and diverse, ranging from Paul Simon to Britney Spears.

Fans of Saturday Night Live might also enjoy MADtv and Whose Line Is It Anyway?

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Content
		CS	adults	kids
Sexual Content Some obviously simulated sex, provocative outfits, lots of sexual banter and innuendo.
Violence No major violence. Occasional pretend hitting or kicking, but only in an exaggerated, funny way.
Language Lots of sexual language and humor. Plenty of mild cursing ("bitch," "hell," "damn," etc.). Lots of plays on words with sexual/racial themes.
Message
	Social Behavior 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).
	Commercialism Hosts promote their movies, TV shows, or albums; musical guests promote their albums.
	Drug/Alcohol/Tobacco Discussion of and simulated use of drugs, alcohol, and tobacco within comedy sketches. Not a major part of the show.

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