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Saturday Night Live

(Rated TV-14, Variety show, Starring Tina Fey, Fred Armisen, Rachel Dratch, Where to watch: NBC, DVD, Download)
  • 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.

updated 05.05.09

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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Most Recent Reviews

  1. Kid Reviewer
    Age 10
    Lives in California
    I rate this title off for age 13 and give it 5.0

    SNL rules!

    Who does'nt like it?

  2. Kid Reviewer
    Age 9
    Lives in Oklahoma
    I rate this title iffy for age 10 and give it 5.0

    SNL review by critic07

    It's so freakin' awesome i laugh so hard every time i watch it. I love freakin' Andy Samberg he is so funny! You should watch it if you have'nt seen it!

  3. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Virginia
    I rate this title on for age 14 and give it 5.0

    I laugh so hard

    This and Scrubs will become classics in about 20 or so years. A gem to all and non-stop laughs!

  4. Kid Reviewer
    Age 10
    Lives in California
    I rate this title iffy for age 2 and give it 3.0

    this is an AWESOME show!!!!!

    Well, this is a pretty funny show, and since they beep out most of the words, I think it's pretty well-approved. This show is filled with brillaint humor and is the best comedy show I have seen in years, next to America's Funniest Home Videos.

  5. Teen Reviewer
    Age 13
    Lives in Connecticut
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 5.0

    SNL KICKS A**

    SNl, home to the future Hall of Fame Commedians, such as Darrell Hammond. Great and beloved commedians such as Chevy Chase, Dan Akroyd, Bill Murray, Will Ferrell, Mike Myers, Danna Carvey, and Jimmy Fallon all got their start hear. Parents be warned, the funnier skits involve nasty and offensive comments such.

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