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Atom TV

(Rated TV-14, Comedy, Starring Devin Barry, Aaron Gaffey, Jayk Gallagher, Where to watch: Comedy Central, Online)

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 15, age appropriate for kids over 18; suggested age 15.

  • Is it any good?

    3.0

  • Common Sense says

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

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 15–18

What to watch out for

  • 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.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Atom TV

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.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • 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.
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