TV Details
Starring
Genre
More details
See more TV reviews

Da Ali G Show (HBO)

common sense media says

Borat, Bruno, and Ali G -- oh my! Not for kids.

parents & educators say
See all 4 reviews | Review it

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that while this show is extremely popular among teens in the United States and the United Kingdom (even more so since Borat was a big hit), it absolutely earns its TV-MA rating. Every episode is chock full of explicit language and contains occasional racist comments, strong sexual references, and brief moments of nudity. Star Sacha Baron Cohen is an expert at turning excruciating moments into laugh-out-loud humor, but some of the show's social commentary about culture and politics may be too subtle for most kids (and even plenty of adults) to catch.

Positive messages: While the show has plenty of crude humor, it also serves as a unique kind of social commentary about U.S. politics and culture. The characters' "mock" interviews may strike some people as unethical, but it's all done in the name of humor.
Violence: Ali G tries to present himself as a West London "gangsta," but in reality he's pretty peace loving. The show itself isn't violent, but there are some discussions of violence, including conversations about capital punishment, domestic violence, and war.
Sex: Ali G's naked butt is visible at the opening of each episode. Full-frontal nudity (male and female) is briefly visible in various segments, including a photograph of a woman exposing her vagina. The series also has lots of strong sexual references, including descriptions and discussions of various sexual acts.
Language: Frequent use of strong curse words, including various incarnations of "f--k," "c--k," and "s--t." Sexist vernacular ("bitches," "hos") and racial slurs, too.
Consumerism: Ali G wears lots of bling and conspicuously branded clothing (particularly Tommy Hilfiger), and Bruno is pretty materialistic.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Adults smoke and drink in some segments. Includes discussions and descriptive images of illegal drugs.
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

More on Da Ali G Show

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about the ways in which television can serve as a source of social commentary on contemporary issues. Families can also talk about the ethics of "mock" or "spoof" interviews. Is it ethical to pose as a real journalist when you're not, even if it's meant to be funny? What point is the show trying to make? Does the satire help or simply entertain? How can you tell the difference?

What's the story?

What's the story?
Cult phenomenon DA ALI G SHOW stars popular British comedian Sacha Baron Cohen as Alistair Graham -- better known as West London hip hop "journalist" Ali G -- as he attempts to learn about America from unsuspecting Americans. The series combines reality with the absurd as Ali G, along with Baron Cohen's other two colorful characters -- Kazakhstani TV reporter Borat Sadgdiyev and gay Austrian fashionista Bruno -- conduct interviews with various political and social luminaries, most of whom are unaware that they're actually participating in a comedy show. The trio's "victims" have included the likes of Newt Gingrich, Donald Trump, Pat Buchanan, Sam Donaldson, James Lipton (Inside the Actors Studio), and stylist Jonathan Antin. Other segments include experts discussing a variety of topics on Ali G's mock talk show and Ali G, Borat, and Bruno traveling around the country interacting with regular Americans. Watching unsuspecting people try to figure out whether these characters are serious or not is the source of a lot of the show's humor.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 

While Da Ali G Show has plenty of crude humor, explicit language, sexual references, and brief nudity, the truth is that in many ways it's very clever. The show's unique brand of social commentary is aimed at both teens and adults and puts America's overall sense of humor to the test.

The best part of the show is the talented, Andy Kaufman-like star, who never breaks character while engaging in real-life dialogue about current events. Baron Cohen's interviews might seem nonsensical at first (and, let's face it, some of them are flat-out offensive), but dig a little deeper and you'll realize that they're full of smart word play and sly observations that are not only funny, but also sometimes uncomfortably honest.

TV themes & details

TV Details
TV Rating: TV-MA
Network: HBO
Cast: Sacha Baron Cohen
Genre: Comedy
Where to watch: HBO
This review was written by Melissa Camacho
 
 

Review It

 

Review Da Ali G Show

Hang on! You need to be a member to post your review.
A safe community is important to us. Please observe our guidelines.
 

What parents & educators say

Most useful reviews by all members

sirbossman
adult
 
ITS SICK
I saw part of one show & wanted to take a bathe in dirt This is pure filth
Flag as inappropriate 
was this review useful?
helped me decide (5) | had useful details (6) | read my mind (6)
jj@aol.com
adult
 
it is so funny but it is really bad
Flag as inappropriate 
was this review useful?
helped me decide (5) | had useful details (4) | read my mind (6)
levack
adult
 
Flag as inappropriate 
was this review useful?
helped me decide (5) | had useful details (4) | read my mind (6)
Totalmovie555
teen, 16 years old
 
VERY FUNNY!!!!!!!... but not for the young kids.
FUNNY!!!!!!
Flag as inappropriate 
was this review useful?
helped me decide (4) | had useful details (4) | read my mind (4)

More reviews ...

An independent voice for families
Age-appropriate reviews
Advice on the big issues
 

vote now

Will you see Da Ali G Show?

Won't miss it
We'll try
Change it

Already seen it? What do you think?

I recommend it
It's a pass
 

Great alternatives handpicked by our editors

Browse more TV
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
Our child development rating guidelines