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The Colbert Report

(Rated TV-14, Comedy, Starring Stephen Colbert, Where to watch: Comedy Central, Online)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 13, age appropriate for kids over 15; suggested age 13.
  • Is it any good?

    4.0
  • Common Sense says

    Teens might not get this shrewd talk show spoof.

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 13–15

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    No matter what your politics are, Stephen Colbert's "character" is someone you wouldn't want your kids to emulate. He 's arrogant and narrow-minded, which is, of course, why he's funny in the first place.
  • Violence:

    No violence to speak of, though the show covers current events, including the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.
  • Sex:

    Witty banter sometimes vamps into sexual innuendo, and Colbert often hawks a made-up product, Formula 401, which consists of his own "DNA" (for those looking for sperm donors). Topical subjects, such as abortion and gay marriage, are often part of the discussion.
  • Language:

    Light swearing ("crap," "bitch") pops up occassionally. More serious words are bleeped out, usually for comic effect.
  • Consumerism:

    The show plugs its own Web site at least once during each episode. Other products are shown occassionally if they've recently made the headlines.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    For the most part, vices are a no-show.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About The Colbert Report

Parents need to know that this news satire pokes fun at conservative political viewpoints, borrowing much of its in-your-face style (and many of its patriotic graphics) from Fox News programs like The O'Reilly Factor. The show's self-important host, Stephen Colbert (played by comedian Stephen Colbert), thumbs his nose at political correctness and generally abhors anything with the slightest scent of liberalism. He's also known for openly criticizing his guests and sharing passionately misguided opinions, most of which lead to absurd conclusions. For example, while speaking out about the dangers of Mother's Day, he says with deadpan sincerity: "If kids want to do something nice for their mother, that's fine. But for me to join in, it is incest. And it is wrong."

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about the ways in which various news talk shows have influenced the way Americans gather information. Are talking-head TV personalities like Chris Matthews, Bill O'Reilly, Sean Hannity, and Keith Olbermann journalists, or merely talk show hosts? To what extent is the line between the two professions blurring in the modern media? (For example, could one person's opinion easily be misconstrued as fact?) Is the mainstream news media truly "liberal"? And if it is, is Fox News truly "fair and balanced," or does it tip the scale toward "conservative"? Are self-proclaimed "fake news" shows like this one a good substitute for the real thing?

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Our Members Say

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See all 13 member reviews

Most Recent Reviews

  1. Kid Reviewer Age 10
    Lives in Oregon
    I rate this title on for age 9 and give it 5.0

    awesome show

    This show is hillarious! Colbert is so funny in this show. I think it's a great show. I watch it with my dad and sometimes my sister who bot love it too. I think for 9 and up

  2. I rate this title on for age 12 and give it 5.0

    Steven Colbert is a comedic genius~

    It's a great show; very funny, especially Colbert himself. The show is pretty silly, yet it's hilarious. I watch it every weeknight with my mom, who also loves it. Probably not a show for kids under 12; while the show isn't ridiculously graphic (bleeped out curse words and occasional sexual remarks) it's likely younger kids won't understand the humor. I love the show and I adore Colbert.

  3. Parent Reviewer
    Lives in Ohio
    I rate this title iffy for age 13 and give it 4.0

  4. Teen Reviewer Age 16
    Lives in Tennessee
    I rate this title iffy for age 2 and give it 5.0

    I love the show

    WARNING, if you watch it you will be hooked! I watched it one night and now I cant stop. Enough said.

  5. Kid Reviewer Age 10
    Lives in New Mexico
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 4.0

    colbert rues!

    my mom loves this show a lot. i mean it teaches kids about politics. sure oohh!they say prostitute! big deal. parents have to be more open to this stuff because there kids are gonna hear about it somewhere.make a movie colbert!

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