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Atom TV (Comedy Central)

common sense media says

Web shorts make the move to TV. Funny but mature.

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What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this series is made up of skits and other short-form content that originally aired on the Web. Although often funny and creative, much of the subject matter is clearly intended for mature audiences. Segments include salty language (with the strongest words bleeped out), fantasy violence (with lots of fake blood and gore), drinking, smoking, and some racial/ethnic humor. There's also plenty of innuendo, including crass references to genitals and discussions about masturbation and other sexual practices. Occasional nudity (bare buttocks) is blurred out.

Positive messages: Though much of the show's content is both funny and creative, it's got plenty of crass jokes -- as well as racial and ethnic stereotypes, some of which border on offensive. The cast of the various skits are primarily male and Caucasian, but other racial/ethnic groups are represented.
Violence: Lots of fantasy violence, including shooting, killing, and hanging. Lots of fake blood and gore. Guns and other weapons are occasionally shown being used.
Sex: Strong sexual innuendo, including specific references to various sexual activities. Nudity (bare buttocks) is blurred. One sketch features a woman supposedly pushing various items from between her legs (no nudity is shown). Frequent crude references to genitalia, including "balls."
Language: Audible language includes words like "hell," "a--hole," and "bastard." Stronger curse words (like "f--k") are bleeped out.
Consumerism: The series is sponsored by Verizon Wireless.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Lots of alcohol and drug references; characters are shown drinking and getting drunk. One ongoing skit features a man being hit by a drunk driver.
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

More on Atom TV

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about the relationship between Internet content and television. Why do you think people would want their Web clips to make the move to television? Do you think that everything on the Internet can be "repackaged" the way that this show does it? Do you think the two forms of media will always be separate? Families can also discuss whether it's OK to put iffier content on the Web than on television. Do online content creators incorporate mature content just because they can, or does it really make the show funnier? Is using strong language, inappropriate behavior, and/or racial stereotypes ever really appropriate, even online? Check out our Internet Safety Guide for more information on the issue.

What's the story?

What's the story?
Each episode of ATOM TV collects sketches and various other forms of short-form content that were originally posted online at Atomtv.com and ComedyCentral.com. In any given installment, viewers might see everything from segments of cartoon series to slapstick skits and silly spoofs. Some of the sketches are part of ongoing online series, while others are stand-alone bits. While most of the series' content is similar to what you'll see online, some of the shorts have been repackaged (and re-edited) for smoother television viewing. Many are also chock full of mature content (including references to sex practices, pornography, and more).

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 
Funny and creative, the series introduces TV viewers to some of the innovative work created by independent film companies, comedy troupes, and actors who've turned to the Internet to both create and bring attention to their work. But it's definitely not age-appropriate for tweens or young teens. Yes, the occasional nudity is blurred and the strongest profanity is bleeped, but there's tons of innuendo and some racial/ethnic humor that borders on offensive. But for older teens and adults mature enough to handle it, this series offers some original entertainment.

TV themes & details

TV Details
TV Rating: TV-14
Network: Comedy Central
Cast: Aaron Gaffey, Devin Barry, Jayk Gallagher
Genre: Comedy
Where to watch: Comedy Central
This review was written by Melissa Camacho
 
 

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ON: Content is appropriate for kids this age.
PAUSE: Know your child, some content may not be right for some kids
OFF: Not age appropriate for kids this age
Our child development rating guidelines