Corner Gas (WGN)

common sense media says

Quirky Canadian comedy is fun for teens and up.


parents & educators say

What parents need to know

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.

Positive messages: The series has some fun poking fun at small-town life, but it's done in a manner that's more jovial than mocking. It also evokes a sense of home and belonging. Comedy is the main objective, and there's no guilt in finding humor in the characters' harmless antics because their friendships always trump their conflicts.
Positive role models: The characters are known to play pranks on each other or tease about their friends' personality quirks (perpetual unemployment or low pain tolerance, for example), but it's all in good fun and never causes any real harm
Violence: Police officers carry guns.
Sex: A few kisses, plus rare mentions of people sleeping together. In at least one scene, full-body nudity is implied -- though sensitive areas are always obscured by well-placed props. A budding relationship between adults spawns awkward flirting.
Language: Words like "ass," "hell," and "damn" are used sporadically.
Consumerism: There's no effort to obscure food brand names like "Popsicle" and "Shake and Bake," but they're not especially prominent, either.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: The local bar is a favorite hangout for adults, who drink mostly beer.

More on Corner Gas

What to talk about

Talk to your kids

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?

What's the story?

What's the story?

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.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 

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.

TV themes & details

TV Details
TV Rating: TV-PG
Network: WGN
Cast: Brent Butt, Fred Ewanuick, Gabrielle Miller
Genre: Comedy
Where to watch: WGN

This review was written by Emily Ashby
 
 

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Most useful reviews by all members

JL
adult
 
So Funny!
If you like word-play and sarcasm this show is perfect for you. Some fantastic lines and awesome face expressions. Some language, a little more than necessary and a couple of the episodes are a little off-color but the show is usually pretty clean. I love the show, it is soo funny. 4 stars. It cannot have a 5 because of the language and the couple of episodes they put in, but overall, very good.

popcorn_004
teen, 14 years old
 
My Favorite! The best!
This show makes me SOOO proud to be a canaidian who lives so close. It's my favorite all-time TV show. It's witty, clever, funny and includes humour for older watchers too. Lots of sarcasm. Karen, Wanda and Hank are my top 3 fave characters! You will NEVER go wrong watching Corner Gas! Brent Butt is a genius!!

Megan Hall
teen, 15 years old
 
perfect for old children, tweens, teens and adults
Love it!

tjstar
teen, 14 years old
 
A laugh-your-socks-off TV show!
The show "Corner Gas" is the most funniest TV show I have ever watched in my ENTIRE life! I mean, it's not just funny, it's the most HILARIOUS, JOYOUS, FUNNIEST TV show ever! Also, the script is definitely well written! If you have never watched this show, I recommend it for children 10 years old and up. Even when the same episodes play over and over again you can watch them over and over again because they are so funny!

ScorpiNi
kid, 12 years old
 
The BEST TV show ever!!!!
Extremely common use of "Jackass" from Oscar. In the episode with the full-body nudity implied, it was no big deal 'cause you don't see anything. Hilarious, kid-friendly, addictive and fun! I own every season.

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About our rating system
ON: Content is 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