See more TV reviews

Fat Guy Stuck in Internet (Cartoon Network)

common sense media says

Campy cyberspace comedy has some iffy stuff.

parents & educators say
See 1 review | Review it

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this live-action series is part of Cartoon Network's Adult Swim lineup and isn't meant for young viewers. Characters use some salty language ("hell," "jackass," "pissed," etc.) and some strong sexual innuendo, including pictures of scantily clad women. One character wears a sock over his genitals. Some of the characters' behavior exhibited is rather crude -- like smelling someone's previously worn underwear. Beer drinking and marijuana smoking are also visible.

Positive messages: Ken is a selfish and narcissistic programmer, but he learns the value of friendship and other lessons while stuck in the Internet. On the downside, his father teaches him to use food to handle stress and conflict. The majority of the characters are Caucasian males.
Violence: Arguing between employees; hot beverages and beer are thrown in people's faces. Chain threatens victims with a large knife. Ken and his friends in the Internet must "fight" computer viruses and other elements to survive. People in the Internet are shot at with lasers and beaten with electric prods.
Sex: Images of scantily clad women on magazine covers and office walls. One character is named Cupcake Hooker; another wears only a sock on his genitals. Chain constantly smells Ken's dirty underwear.
Language: Language includes words like "hell," "jackass," and "pissed."
Consumerism: Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Brief beer drinking; pouring beer on Ken's computer keyboard results in him being pulled into the Internet. Visible marijuana smoking.
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

More on Fat Guy Stuck in Internet

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about how imaginary computer or Internet worlds are presented in the media. Why do you think many of these worlds are depicted as dark and violent? If you were to create a show about the inside of the Internet, what would cyberspace look like? What real-life issues related to computer and Internet use does the show address, if any? Who do you think it's intended audience is?

What's the story?

What's the story?
FAT GUY STUCK IN INTERNET is a science fiction-like comedy series about the adventures of Ken Gemberling (played by John Gemberling), a talented but obnoxious computer programmer who mysteriously gets sucked into the Internet. Once inside, he's told by cyberbeings Bit (Neil Casey) and Byte (Liz Cackowski) that he's the long-awaited Chosen One destined to save the cyberverse from ultimate destruction. He's guided by the teachings of The Watcher (Curtis Gwinn) while fighting deadly computer viruses, slave runners, and barbarians. Ken's problems get worse when his mysterious employer -- known only as the CEO -- sends a vicious but rather cowardly bounty hunter named Chains (also Gwinn) to kill him.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 
While the show's overall plot bears some resemblance to that of The Matrix, what makes it unique is the combination of live-action improvisational comedy and visual effects to create a campy cyberworld. Most of the characters are quirky and exhibit silly and/or crude behavior in an attempt to generate laughs. There are also some simplistic moral lessons about the importance of friendship and the significance of being part of a noble cause.

Although the show's unlikely hero becomes more likeable, the truth is that Fat Guy Stuck in Internet is only mildly funny. It's got its share of strong material, too, including marijuana smoking and strong sexual innuendo. This, combined with some of the rough humor, makes it too strong for tweens and iffy for young teens. But older viewers may be intrigued by its creative approach to mature comedy.

TV themes & details

TV Details
TV Rating: NR
Network: Cartoon Network
Cast: Curtis Gwinn, John Gemberling, Neil Casey
Genre: Comedy
Where to watch: Cartoon Network
This review was written by Melissa Camacho
 
 

Review It

 

Review Fat Guy Stuck in Internet

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

Most useful reviews by all members

brak show345
kid, 13 years old
 
[adultswim] + real life comedy = bad idea
Flag as inappropriate 
was this review useful?
helped me decide (2) | had useful details (1) | read my mind (1)

More reviews ...

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

vote now

Will you see Fat Guy Stuck in Internet?

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