See more TV reviews

The Gong Show with Dave Attell (Comedy Central)

common sense media says

Raunchy, lowbrow TV at its most mediocre.

parents & educators say
See 2 reviews | Review it

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that nothing is sacred in this late-night hybrid that's equal parts talent competition and three-ring circus. On any given episode you might see wrestling midgets who beat each other over the head with metal trays, magicians who pull bloody rabbits out of their stomachs with a knife, or a man dressed as a monkey doing impressive acrobatics with a scantily clad jungle girl who removes her bra. Sexual content is pretty explicit for basic cable (one of the judges French kisses a model during the closing credits), and the language (including the frequent-but-bleeped use of "f--k") truly pushes the envelope.

Positive messages: More often than not, the truly talented are rewarded with high scores. But at its core, the show is about exploiting (consenting) adults for the sake of entertainment.
Violence: When the act calls for it, contestants punch, kick, and beat each other over the heads with metal trays and chairs. (And the judges sometimes jump into the fight, too.) A contestant also uses a knife and fake blood in a gruesome magic trick.
Sex: Some men wear thongs, exposing rather personal body hair. A few women actually take their tops off, and a judge sticks his penis through a paper scorecard, but sensitive body parts are covered with a black censor bar. Some kissing (including French) and innuendoes.
Language: Words like "f--k" and "s--t" (which are bleeped) are used frequently, as are "ass" and "bitch" (which are audible). They're often incorporated into crude, distasteful phrases like "You cannot teach that kind of talent. A gay wizard has to f--k it into you."
Consumerism: Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Host Attell sometimes smokes cigarettes on stage.
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

More on The Gong Show with Dave Attell

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about the fine line between exploiting yourself and sharing your talents with the rest of the world. How does this show compare to other TV talent competitions? What criteria do you think the producers use to screen contestants? Who do you think the target audience is? And do you think this show truly takes itself seriously? Parents who remember watching the classic 1970s variety show that this remake is based on can also share their memories of the original, noting which elements have been updated for today's audience.

What's the story?

What's the story?
In THE GONG SHOW WITH DAVE ATTELL, stand-up comedian Dave Attell (best known for his series Insomniac with Dave Attell) hosts a raucous, raunchy remake of The Gong Show, a classic 1970s variety series that showcased amateur performers and antics from a rotating slate of celebrity judges. Attell's version scores contestants on a scale of 0 to 500. But if acts are truly bad, judges can grab a mallet and bang a large gong, taking contestants out of the running for the top prize: a glittering Gong Show prize belt, some cash ($600), and, often, fun extras -- like a back rub from outlandish judge Andy Dick.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 
With its over-the-top acts and envelope-pushing sexual content and language, The Gong Show isn't for kids, including older teens. Frankly, a few of the acts are so graphic that they'd probably gross out most grown-ups. (Imagine Andy Dick chewing on a blood-soaked stuffed rabbit, and you'll begin to understand what we mean.)

As for whether this remake is worth watching for anyone, well ... it's bound to be an acquired taste. While a few talented contestants are mixed into the line-up, most have obviously been selected for their shock value -- like a rock band that sings a lewd song about lollipops, complete with dancing girls who seductively lick said lollipops during the performance. Sure, there are laughs to be had. But since it's unlikely you'll see any feats that will truly blow your socks off, you won't be missing much if you skip it altogether.

TV themes & details

TV Details
TV Rating: TV-14
Network: Comedy Central
Cast: Andy Dick, Dave Attell, Dave Navarro
Genre: Game Shows
Where to watch: Comedy Central
This review was written by Kari Croop
 
 

Review It

 

Review The Gong Show with Dave Attell

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

aamd13
kid, 11 years old
17
 
certainly nothing I would ever want to watch
never watched it or heard of it but this doesnt seem appropriate
Flag as inappropriate 
was this review useful?
helped me decide (2) | had useful details (1) | read my mind (1)
9001
teen, 15 years old
17
 
17+
It seems like a very crude, mature, vulgar, obscene, and inappropriate show.
Flag as inappropriate 
was this review useful?
helped me decide (1) | 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 The Gong Show with Dave Attell?

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