| 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. |
Parents need to know that there's very little content that's not age-appropriate for teens in this quirky Canadian sitcom, which derives its refreshingly smart humor from daily life in a small town. Sexual references are mild, drinking is infrequent and never excessive, and strong language is limited to the occasional "damn" or "ass." While kids and young tweens won't grasp the situational humor, this is a great choice for parents and teens to enjoy together.
To an outsider, it may not seem like much happens in the fictitious town of Dog River, Saskatchewan, but the proud residents would tell a different story. There's plenty of drama -- and lots of gossip -- to be shared, and, as the only filling station for miles around, Corner Gas is always at the center of the (relative) hustle and bustle. For comedian Brent Butt, who plays station's proprietor Brent Leroy, CORNER GAS is the tale of what his life could have been had he not left his own small Canadian hometown to pursue loftier goals than pumping gas.
If thoughtful, witty humor tickles your funny bone, then Corner Gas deserves a spot on your TV itinerary. Just as Seinfeld pointed out the humor in life's most tedious moments, this clever Canadian series pokes droll fun at the ins and outs of life in a place where everyone knows everyone else's business.
The talented ensemble, colorful characters, and spot-on writing make this show an unexpected gem; the best part is that the lack of edgy content makes it perfectly age-appropriate for young teen viewers. So if you're searching for a sitcom to enjoy with your teens -- without any potentially awkward bedroom scenes -- give this one a try.
Families can talk about how entertainment styles differ in shows from other countries. What does it mean for a show to be "Canadian" or "British"? How much of a show's entertainment value depends on a viewer's familiarity with the nuances of the place it was made? Did you find this series funny? Was it obvious that it wasn't an American-made show? Why or why not?
| TV rating: | TV-PG |
| Network: | WGN |
| Cast: | Brent Butt, Fred Ewanuick, Gabrielle Miller |
| Genre: | Comedy |