• Is it age appropriate?

  About our ratings

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  Not age appropriate for kids under 13, age appropriate for kids over 18; suggested age 14.

• Is it any good?

  3.0

• Common Sense says

  Lightweight pop culture arguments are feisty but fun.

Why We Rated This for Ages 14–18

What to watch out for

• Messages:

  While the message isn't completely negative, this isn't the place to shop for positive take-aways.
• Role models:

  Because the show thrives on extremes, it's not the best forum for positive role modeling.
• Violence:

  A few references to celebrity fistfights or other violent behavior, but nothing of serious concern.
• Sex:

  Some topics prompt heavy sexual innuendo, including "Who's the bigger political cad: Bill Clinton or John Edwards?" and "Who's the hotter Russian tennis star: Anna Kournikova or Maria Sharapova?" Some of the spicier comments include a statement that "needier girls are better in bed"; a reference to the former president "getting the high, hard one" in the Oval Office; and the rhetorical question "Who needs Rogaine when you've got a boner?"
• Language:

  Strong language like "bulls--t" and "tits" is bleeped, but you'll still hear words like "ass," "crap," "penis," "booty," "sexy," and "crack whore."
• Consumerism:

  Some debates reference popular books, movies, and TV shows (like The O.C. and Star Wars), as well as celebrity brands, including bands and musicians (like Madonna and the Rolling Stones).
• Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

  Some mentions of things like drinking heavily and doing drugs, but the behaviors aren't actually demonstrated.

What Parents Need to Know

About The Great Debate

Families Can Talk About