 | ON: Content is age-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. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
The Catherine Tate Show
- BBC America
- Genre: Comedy
Common Sense Media says
British sketch comedy is fun for teens and up.
Parents say
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this British sketch comedy series pokes fun at exaggerated character stereotypes (a crotchety grandma, an impertinent teen, etc.) as well as issues like mental health, homosexuality, and body humor. Strong language and mature themes are the main concerns, but it's likely that little of what's shown here will be new to teens. (It's worth noting that the show is a big hit with British kids, who've latched on to several of its catchphrases.)
What's the story?
In British sketch comedy series THE CATHERINE TATE SHOW, comedienne Catherine Tate stars as a multitude of outrageous characters whose various antics are fodder for the show's rib-tickling humor. The multi-talented Tate -- whose comedy style is reminiscent of Tracey Ullman -- plays a bevy of regular characters, including an overtly effeminate middle-aged man who scathingly responds to assumptions that he's gay with a condescending "How very dare you"; an uncouth woman who often finds herself in embarrassing situations; a crotchety elderly woman who hides a foul-mouthed, racist side; and an impertinent teen who's never without something to say (often along the lines of a bored "Am I bovvered?" -- which has become a huge catchphrase in England) about life's little travesties. Each episode includes about eight brief skits, with Tate bolstered by a revolving cast of supporting comics.
Is it any good?
In addition to starring in the series, Tate also writes much of the material; the outcome is 40 minutes of very satisfying comedy -- especially for those who appreciate British humor (though Tate's talent allows her to transcend the cultural barrier). But check it out before letting your teens tune in, as the language can be strong and issues like sexuality are often at the heart of the humor.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about comedy in entertainment. How does the comedy in this series compare to others you've seen? How would you describe this comedy style? Is it funny to you? What parts were the most entertaining? Were there any parts that you just didn't get? How much does a person's culture affect their grasp of certain types of humor? What are some of your favorite funny shows or movies? What do you like about them?
- Show:
- All members
- Parents
- Teens & kids
AGE
AMAZING!!! LIFE CHANGING!!! HILARIOUS!!! WATCH IT NOW!!!
I came across this series when my friend got the DVD box set for Christmas. I had heard of it and seen a few sketches, and when I went to her house, we watched it and I immediately fell in love with "The Catherine Tate Show."
It is a British sketch comedy show, in the vein of Saturday Night Live and MADtv. Many people compare it to the over-rated but similar sketch comedy "Little Britain", which I ABSOLUTELY despise. Matt Lucas and David Walliam's show relies on crude and cringeworthy gags about sexual preference, vomiting, urination and bodily functions, however "TCTS" is in much better taste, although I must admit that her use of strong language may be an issue with younger kids.
Her numerous catchphrases have become a hit with teenagers, mainly the character of Lauren, the impertinent teen who "aint bovvered."
Other characters include Derek Faye, a gay in denial, Geordie Georgie, the office worker who persists in fundraising for unorthodox causes, Paul and Sam, the Cockney couple who burst out laughing at the most normal situations, Aga Saga Woman, the posh mother of two who cant cope with deadly situtations such as having unorganic eggs in an egg and spoon race, Janice and Ray, the endlessly disgusted couple who cant believe their misfortune when served a no-bread sandwich, and Allie, the completely tactless woman who always manages to cause a stir without meaning to.
In terms of adult content, some of the sketches are appropriate for kids and some are not. Nan Taylor is a grandma who swears outrageously, and Derek Faye sometimes drops a few sexual references, but other than that, it should be OK for children over 12 who understand mature themes such as sex, One sketch involves a woman whispering the word c*nt twice, but that is the only extremely explicit thing.
I now own all three series on DVD, and am a HUGE fan.
If you can get ur hands on it, you will love it.
Thats a promise.
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AGE
Compulsive comedy for under 12's
This is classic comedy at its best!
Catherine Tate is an absolute comic genius, and any mature child aged 12 and up should appreciate the sharp, clever and satirical humour!
OK, the granny has a terrible mouth, and the gay guy sometimes makes a few sexual references, but there isn't any language or sexuality that a 12 year old wouldnt understand or know.
Highly reccomended for tweens and up. :)
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AGE
LOL
Catherine Tate is a genius! There are some very inappropriate jokes and profanity but if your kid is mature enough to handle it then go for it.
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Kid, 10 years old
March 29, 2012
AGE
It's over rated
Oh my gosh!!! This is so funny. Lauren is now my role model!
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| TV rating: | TV-14 |
| Network: | BBC America |
| Cast: | Catherine Tate, Derren Litten, Matthew Horne |
| Genre: | Comedy |
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