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Common Sense Note

Parents need to know that sly sexual innuendos are the basis of much of the series' comedy. Feigned making out, references to sizes of male and female body parts, and simulated sexual positions are common. Much fun is poked at the actors, other celebrities, and sometimes even audience members, but it's all done in humorous good taste.

Families can talk about the issue of what stretches the boundaries of comedy. When is a joke taken too far? Where is the line between funny and hurtful when someone is being impersonated? Why is sexual comedy so enticing to the actors -- and the audience?

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Common Sense Review

Reviewed By: Emily Ashby

What do you get when you mix four quick-thinking comedians, an audience full of fresh ideas, and a host who controls the tempo of the game? Answer: A recipe for gut-splitting laughter. WHOSE LINE IS IT ANYWAY? tops the charts for improv comedy with its talented actors and their endless reserve of quips and physical humor.

Drew Carey (The Drew Carey Show) hosts the show -- inspired by the same-named and slightly more risqué British series, which still repeats on Comedy Central and BBC America -- and directs a stellar cast of comedians, whose members include Wayne Brady (The Wayne Brady Show), Ryan Stiles (The Drew Carey Show), and Colin Mochrie (of independent feature and voiceover fame).

Carey leads the actors through an obstacle course of comedic games as audience members keep the actors guessing with their suggestions for subject matter. One of the show's classic games is "Props," in which teams of two devise uses for random objects in a rapid-fire sequence. Suddenly, an oversized peapod shell becomes a canoe for Pocahontas or a gift of clothing for Adam, who holds it against his front and quips, "That's great, Eve, but a fig leaf would do."

The show also features the musical talents of pianist Laura Hall and guitarist Linda Taylor. The two shine as brightly as the actors in musical games like "Duet," which features two comedians who must make up lyrics as they sing together about a randomly assigned topic.

There's no end to the fun of this show, but given the relatively high percentage of suggestive, innuendo-based jokes (although many are tame by a lot of primetime-sitcom standards), parents will probably want to preview before allowing young teens to watch.

Older teens might also enjoy the rapid-fire humor of Arrested Development, or Sons & Daughters, which is partially improvised. Younger kids might get a kick out of the tamer practical joke show Hi-Jinks.

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