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The Underground

(Rated TV-MA, Comedy, Starring Damon Wayans, Aries Spears, Damon Wayans Jr., Where to watch: Showtime)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 17, age appropriate for kids over 17; suggested age 17.
  • Is it any good?

    1.0
  • Common Sense says

    Raw sketch comedy values shock over humor. Pass.

Why We Rated This not for kids

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    Features dance and music from the urban underground culture. Presents a sense of urban pride. Various people of racial and ethnic backgrounds are portrayed, but usually not positively. Stereotyping is a frequent source of humor, but sometimes they're used to make a point. The cast is diverse.
  • Violence:

    Simulated violent acts -- including shooting, explosions, and stoning -- in some sketches. Pushing, punching, and other physical harm, but there's little blood, and most of these events are clearly fake. Some skits feature various kinds of guns.
  • Sex:

    Contains nudity, including close-ups of female genitals (which are animated to look as though they're speaking). Coarse references to genitalia and sexual acts. In some sketches, the actors simulate sex acts (some of which are quite crude). Dancers wear revealing clothing and sometimes move in a suggestive manner.
  • Language:

    Use of strong curse words, including "f--k" (in various forms) and the n-word. While these words are used as part of comedy sketches, usage is often gratuitous.
  • Consumerism:

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

    Some adult consumption of alcohol and tobacco products.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About The Underground

Parents need to know that this sketch comedy show is not meant for kids. It more than earns its TV-MA rating with its frequent use of profanity and its graphic sexual content (including a close-up of a real-life vagina animated to look like it's talking). The show makes a concerted effort to be politically incorrect and, as a result, uses lots of stereotypes and other less-than-positive comedic devices -- which, although they're meant to underscore present-day political and social issues, lose their impact when sketches fall flat and shock rather than amuse.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about using stereotypes as a source of humor. Is it ever appropriate to use stereotypes? Where do you draw the line? Can people empower themselves by "reclaiming a stereotype" and making it their own? Families can also talk about taking humor too far. When does satire or parody become offensive? Urban culture, underground artists, and alternative dance forms can also be discussed.

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Most Recent Reviews

  1. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in California
    I rate this title on for age 17 and give it 5.0

    I laughed my a** off

    This is one of the funniest shows. I can't wait for the next season. It's hilarious!! Good job Damon

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