Important Things with Demetri Martin

Review

Common Sense Media says

Teens will like slacker humor ... but will parents?
greenON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
yellowPAUSE: Know your child; some content
may not be right for some kids.
redOFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
not for kidsNOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age.

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Quality
 
Sometimes media can be age appropriate but a real waste of time. Our star rating assesses the media's overall quality.

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Parents say

Not yet rated

Kids say

AGE
12
QUALITY
 

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that teens will probably want to tune in to this deadpan show based on Martin's personality (even though he's firmly in his 30s, he looks and acts like a straight-out-of-college emo kid) and occasional appearances on The Daily Show. That said, they'll be exposed to a healthy amount of salty language, some of which (like "s--t" and "faggot") is bleeped and some of which (like "tits" and "ass") isn't. There's also some sexual innuendo and more violence than you might expect, but even the bits involving blood are meant to be funny.

  • Positive messages0
    The show sends some mixed messages. While it's positive for kids to see a young person steering his own show, they're also being exposed to cheeky humor that lacks real depth or meaning.
  • Positive role models1
    Based on appearance alone, many teens will find Martin a natural role model. But even though he's clearly bright and multi-talented, working both original music and art into his act, the humor he puts forth is more ironic than intelligent.
  • Violence3
    Comedic incidents include a verbal battle over a parking space that veers into violent territory, a character whose father was murdered, face slapping, animated rats that kill each other (revealing small amounts of blood), and smashing a car with a baseball bat.
  • Sex3
    Some pointed sexual innuendo pops up, such as in a song involving a "horny teenager" ... and a sock. Other skits talk about the mechanics of sex, seduction, etc.
  • Language3
    Regular use of "ass," "crap," "hell," etc., plus bleeped words like "a--hole," "s--t," and "faggot." Other language includes terms like "nipple," "tits," and "explosive diarrhea."
  • Consumerism0
    Not applicable.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking3
    A few casual references to alcohol, such as a joke about trying to order a vodka tonic in a bar. Some references to drugs.
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What's the story?

In IMPORTANT THINGS WITH DEMETRI MARTIN, host Demetri Martin (who spent time as a writer on Late Night with Conan O'Brien and as a correspondent on The Daily Show) picks a topic -- for example, "power" -- and runs with it. All over the place. There's a little bit of stand-up, a little bit of sketch comedy, and a little bit of drawing, too. He also works in some music with live performances of original songs that he accompanies on guitar and harmonica.

Is it any good?

 

By marketing his show to teens and twentysomethings, Martin is playing his cards exactly right. After all, anyone older than his target audience might not get the joke. His style is low-tech (and often low-key), with a subtle nod to retro sensibilities ... and it is funny. But that doesn't necessarily mean it will catch on and become a hit.

The original song, "Me vs. You" -- in which Martin compares himself ("Me: Starving wolverine") with an unnamed enemy (You: Baby covered in pork chops") -- is a prime example of his flair for slacker irony. But as for this reviewer, well ... Me: Mildly amused. You? You might be, too.

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What families can talk about

Families can talk about the way that younger people view Martin's humor versus the way older people might see it. Teens: What do you like about Martin's comedy style? Is there anything you dislike? Parents: Do you find Martin funny? Why or why not? Families can also discuss Martin's decision to go low-tech with his graphics and effects. Why do you think he took that approach, considering we live in an age in which technology drives everything?

This review was written by Kari Croop
Teen, 15 years old
July 22, 2010
AGE
12
 
:)
I like it, but most people aren't as mature.
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Teen, 17 years old
October 3, 2009
AGE
13
 
Great Comedian Great Show
I first saw Demetri Martin on t.v. by just chanel surfing looking for something to watch I landed on his Demetri Martin Person comedy In the first thirty seconds of finding it I laughed ysterically and was hoping he would make a comeback and he did Important Things is a great show its funny and I even found out a teacher of mine watched it so he would quote something from it in class and only the peple that would watch it would have any idea what he was talking about sadly I see no sign of it coming back and I want to see season 2 :( This show is something I would recomend to anyone my age
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Kid, 12 years old
May 14, 2011
AGE
12
 
Important Thing Is That This Show Is Appropriate For Older Kids
Very witty and sharp show! A few scenarios or jokes may be too overwhelming for young children ( 6-10) to comprehend, so it would'nt have much entertainment value for them. Although I think if you have tweens and teens, it would probably be conveyed to them in good humor. Overall, hilarious show for older kids!
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Adult
February 6, 2011
AGE
12
 
Hilarious Show, watch it!
This show is amazing. Demetri Martin is probably the funniest guy on TV.
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This review was written by Kari Croop
TV rating:TV-14
Network:Comedy Central
Cast:Demetri Martin
Genre:Comedy
This review was written by Kari Croop
 

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ON: Content is age-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.
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