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Community

(Rated TV-PG, Comedy, Starring Chevy Chase, Joel McHale, Gillian Jacobs, Where to watch: NBC, 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 14.

  • Is it any good?

    3.0

  • Common Sense says

    College comedy is well-written but full of stereotypes.

Themes in this show include:   dating/crushes, friendship

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 14–15

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    The series highlights the importance of community, however you define the term. There's plenty of snarky humor (some of it based on stereotypes), but underneath the punchlines are positive messages about getting an education and going back to school.
 

What to watch out for

  • Role models:

    Winger ‘s choices aren’t the most ethical, but he often dispenses bits of wisdom to his fellow students. The people attending Greendale CC are from all walks of life -- though the show's humor often relies on stereotypes about community college and the people who attend them.

  • Violence:

    Shirley occasionally makes some violent threats, but she doesn't act on them.

  • Sex:

    Flirting between adults, and some mild sexual innuendo. Pierce sexually harasses one of his fellow students.

  • Language:

    Words like “douche bag," “crap,” and “ass” are audible.

  • Consumerism:

    References to popular items like the iPhone.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    At least one character smokes cigarettes. There are also references to drinking, and adult characters sometimes drink on screen (and, in at least one episode, trip out on a drug that's presumably Ecstasy). One student had an addiction to a prescription medication.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Community

Parents need to know that this sitcom about a motley crew of community college students has plenty of (fairly mild) sexual innuendo and stereotypes about community colleges and those who attend them, but it also offers subtle positive messages about pursuing an education at any age. The main character often makes iffy choices, but he's also able to bring people together. Expect some salty language ("crap," "ass," etc.) and occasional cigarette smoking, and drinking.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about whether it's ever appropriate to use stereotypes to create humor. Why or why not?
  • What are some of the reasons that people go to school later in life? Can anyone at any age get an education in the United States? Is that possible in other countries?
  • What's the difference between a community college and a university? What are the benefits of attending one or the other? Disadvantages?
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Our Members Say

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Most Recent Reviews

  1. Teen Reviewer Age 16
    rossallen
    I rate this title on for age 16 and give it 5.0
    My concerns are:
    • Inappropriate sexual content
    • Inappropriate language
    • Negative message
    • Negative role models

    When presented to its appropriate audience, this show is golden!

    Obviously there are some inappropriate aspects of this show, but perhaps that is what gives it the edgy push that makes it so hilarious. When presented to its appropriate audience, this show is golden!

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
    Flag as inappropriate
  2. Teen Reviewer Age 15
    gobyu1
    I rate this title on for age 15 and give it 5.0
    My concerns are:
    • Inappropriate language

    • My highlights are:
    • Positive messages

    Flag as inappropriate
  3. Teen Reviewer Age 14
    Katy0
    Lives in Missouri
    I rate this title on for age 13 and give it 4.0

    Flag as inappropriate

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