 | 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. |
Chappelle's Show
- Comedy Central
- Genre: Comedy
Common Sense Media says
Edgy, brilliant comedy that's best for adults.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that, above all else, this wildly popular sketch comedy series is uproariously funny. Adults will laugh themselves silly at Chappelle's edgy satire and knowing social commentary, but it's the kind of humor that pushes the proverbial envelope to the absolute. It's only for the fearless, and despite the fact that many teens love the show, it's really not appropriate for most kids.
What's the story?
In sketch comedy show CHAPPELLE'S SHOW, anyone is fair game: white supremacists, anti-drug programs, even PBS. The result is that you never know quite what to expect, with bits whizzing from a parody of the popular MTV show Cribs to a fiercely funny stab at Chappelle's own identity crisis (at one point, he was MIA from his own show, fleeing production for a retreat in South Africa). Recurring characters include cheerful crackhead Tyrone Biggums, clueless rapper Lil Jon, feisty Rick James, and more. Stand-out moments have included Chappelle's turn as a blind Ku Klux Klan member who doesn't realize he's black and a guest appearance by Wayne Brady (Whose Line Is It Anyway?) in which the normally squeaky-clean entertainer goes on a pimping, shooting rampage.
Is it any good?
Chappelle's genius is that he's able to mine the current, the political, the seamy, the gross and -- best of all -- the taboo for humor. In doing so, he makes viewers think, even when they're busy holding their sides from laughing too much. It all makes for exhilarating, thought-provoking TV -- except, of course, when kids are in the room. As appealing as Chappelle is to teenagers, his comedy is of the edgiest, adults-only sort.
Explore, discuss, enjoy
Families can talk about the issues that Chappelle chooses to satirize. What is the state of race relations in this country? What are the stereotypes the show chooses to skewer based on? Does the show reinforce or dispel those stereotypes? How? Could another comedian do the same skits and get the same response? Why do issues that are, on the face of it, not very funny, play for such great laughs?
What do you think about Chappelle's decision to quit doing his show?
- Show:
- All members
- Parents
- Teens & kids
Teen, 15 years old
April 9, 2008
AGE
it's not TV-MA
It's not TV-MA, it's TV-14, i't almost TV-MA, but it barely gets by witha TV-14. i think it can be viewed by 13+.
Was this review useful?
|
|
Teen, 13 years old
December 15, 2009
AGE
16+
I haven't seen a full episode of this show, but my friends showed me a clip about him talking about sesame street and it was hilarious. He used the f-word and it's derivitives a couple of times, and it was completely uncensored. People under the age of 16 shouldn't watch shows with language like that if it's uncensored.
What other families should know:
Was this review useful?
|
|
Adult
April 9, 2008
AGE
i laughed a lot!!
i love this show!! chappelle is soooo funny!!! but i wouldn't say it's okay for people under 13.but if your 13 or older.watch!!!
Was this review useful?
|
|
Parent
December 17, 2009
AGE
Chappelle's Show
Hilarious! Dave's impersonation of Rick James almost made me drop dead laughing. This show would make even the most emotionless people chuckle.
Was this review useful?
|
|
Parent of 11 year old
March 10, 2011
AGE
My kid and I love it.
Cursing and racial stuff but I love it!!!
What other families should know:
Was this review useful?
|
|
Adult
April 9, 2008
AGE
Very Funny show!
It was originally TV-MA, but changed to a TV-14. Very funny show for persons 13 and older.
Was this review useful?
|
|
Adult
April 9, 2008
AGE
Brilliant
A wonderful show, but probably not for most kids. We have the shows on DVD and only allow our son to watch select skits. We also discuss why certain things are said and done on the show to make a point, but that these aren't things that you should say in real life.
Was this review useful?
|
|
| TV rating: | TV-MA |
| Network: | Comedy Central |
| Cast: | Charles Q. Murphy, Dave Chappelle, Paul Mooney |
| Genre: | Comedy |
Review It
Great alternatives handpicked by our editors
More from Common Sense Media
Top advice and articles
