Human Giant (MTV)

common sense media says

Funny sketch comedy transcends Internet origins.


parents & educators say

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this sketch comedy series -- which began its life on the Internet -- definitely isn't for young kids and tweens. Characters commonly use strong language (though the worst of it is bleeped), and sexual situations (simulated intercourse with a whale, a man shown naked with his genitals barely blocked from view, etc.) are played for humor. Violence, though meant to be funny, is often bloody: In one scene, a man is impaled with an axe, another's legs are broken with a shovel, and a third is shot by a crossbow. Older teens who can put the show's comedy style into context may enjoy it, but parents may want to check out the content first.

Positive messages: The guys find humor in everything from sex to violence to a mother's declaration that she could never be as emotionally connected to an adopted child as she is to a biological one. Young kids appear in some sketches; in one, the adults ridicule the child and swear (or at least seem to) in front of her.
Violence: It's graphic, and there's lots of it (though again, it's all for laughs). For example, one segment shows three friends in an argument -- during which one hurls an axe into another's chest, one breaks his buddy's legs with a shovel, and one shoots the third with a crossbow. Characters are hit by cars, attacked by dogs, and shown drinking what's presumably blood. In one scene, a child is shown trapped beneath refrigerators and large furniture.
Sex: Fairly graphic simulations are played for humor. In one scene, for example, a woman wearing a bra acts out sex with a whale, who climaxes by spraying water from his blowhole. In another, a man is shown reclining naked from the waist down with his legs apart and a black shape blocking the view of his genitals.
Language: "Ass," "damn," "bitch," and "hell" are common. "S--t" and "f--k" are also frequent, but they're bleeped.
Consumerism: Sketches occasionally include brand-name products like Pepsi.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not applicable.

More on Human Giant

What to talk about

Talk to your kids

Families can talk about the lengths to which comedy goes for entertainment. How do comedians and actors use topics like sex, violence, and race relations for laughs? What are some examples of that in this show? Teens: Do you find this type of humor funny? Why or why not? Do you think anyone might be offended by it? Should there be limits on the kinds of mature content that can be shown on television? Who should have the right to decide what is and isn't appropriate for viewers?

What's the story?

What's the story?

Sketch comedy series HUMAN GIANT began its life as a collection of short Internet clips but has morphed into a raucous MTV series that's sure to keep fans guessing about how far the stars will go for laughs. The show features recurring characters like the Shutterbugs, tough-talking (and often foul-mouthed) talent agents for child actors who struggle to relate to their young clients on a kid-friendly level. Also making their TV debut are Web favorites the Illuminators, who combine the thrill of David Blaine-style magic with the all-around strangeness of Criss Angel Mindfreak to shock and amaze their unsuspecting audiences. Other sketches draw laughs from quirky characters in extreme situations -- like one who summons an attack dog to garner sympathy in uncomfortable situations, or a one-woman moving service who uses her motherly instinct (and plenty of adrenaline) to move heavy furniture by first dropping it on her son.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 

The show's irreverent but sharp wit is a credit to its talented stars -- Aziz Ansari, Paul Scheer, and Rob Huebel -- all of whom double as executive producers when they're not in front of the camera. Jason Woliner also produces and directs the show; guest stars like Linda Cardellini and Tony Hawk add to the fun. While Human Giant certainly isn't meant for kids or tweens, older teens and adults will find a lot to chuckle at.

TV themes & details

TV Details
TV Rating: TV-14
Network: MTV
Cast: Aziz Ansari, Paul Scheer, Rob Huebel
Genre: Comedy
Where to watch: MTV

This review was written by Emily Ashby
 
 

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ApricotstarP
teen, 16 years old
 
I laughed!
this show was really funny!

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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