The Jeff Dunham Show (Comedy Central)

common sense media says

Ventriloquist's comedy act is too edgy for younger viewers.

parents & educators say

86% say language is an issue
71% say sexual content is an issue

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this comedy series showcases the talents of ventriloquist Jeff Dunham and his collection of sidekick puppet characters, including a crotchety old man, a cadaverous terrorist skeleton, and a beer-swilling redneck. The jokes range from tame situational comedy to slightly racist and sexist cracks. There’s also moderate swearing and some sexual innuendo -- all of which means that Dunham’s act is better suited for older viewers than for kids.

Positive messages: While Dunham's ability to find the humor in any situation shows that the basic moments in life -- both the mundane and the unusual -- are full of potential, the fact that many of his characters are based on stereotypes (socioeconomic, ethnic, or otherwise) sends a somewhat iffy message.

Positive role models: Dunham plays the role of befuddled straight guy to a menagerie of wacky dummy/characters, some of whom exhibit sterotypical behavior (a beer-swilling redneck, etc.). When they cross the line into unacceptable behavior -- racist, sexist remarks, for example -- Dunham reels them back ... which would make it seem like he's setting a good example, until you remember that all of the characters are him.

Violence: No violence, though one of the comic’s characters is a terrorist who often jokes about destruction.

Sex: Some innuendo and sexist language. One of the puppet characters can be quite focused on "boobs," for example.

Language: Some words are bleeped. Mild swearing and insults include “shut the hell up,” “holy crap,” and “tramp.” When someone uses the word “c--k” appropriately, one character tries to make it into a double entendre.

Consumerism: The series promotes the comedy career of its star, Jeff Dunham.

Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Some drinking, and several jokes about being drunk.

Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

What to talk about

Talk to your kids

Families can talk about edgy humor. Could some of Dunham's jokes be seen as offensive? To whom? What part of the show made you laugh the most?
Are jokes based on stereotypes ever appropriate? Why do you think that different groups of people find different things funny?

What's the story?

In THE JEFF DUNHAM SHOW, comedian/ventriloquist Jeff Dunham brings his stage act to the small screen, accompanied by the diverse cast of puppet sidekicks that form the heart of his humor. Each character has his or her own distinct personality and quirks -- the gang includes crotchety old man Walter, dim-bulb redneck Bubba J., and a skeletal corpse known as Achmed the Dead Terrorist. Every episode of the show combines performance footage filmed in front of live audience with pre-taped skits featuring the comic and his pals in a variety of unusual situations -- Jeff and Walter go to a therapist, Bubba J. goes to a shooting range, etc.

Is it any good?

Here’s the thing about ventriloquists: Jokes that wouldn’t be funny if a traditional comedian told them don’t really improve when they come out of the mouth of a puppet. Dunham plays the straight man while his characters frequently spout mildly racist and sexist lines and mediocre one-liners. Watching a teenage boy go on and on about a woman’s breasts isn’t funny, and the lines aren’t any more entertaining when they come from some horn-dog made out of foam.

Dunham isn’t even that impressive a ventriloquist; it’s easy to see his mouth moving, especially since there aren’t any compelling reasons to watch the puppets.

TV themes & details

TV Details

TV Rating: TV-14
Network: Comedy Central
Cast: Jeff Dunham
Genre: Comedy
Where to watch: Comedy Central

This review was written by Will Wade

Review It

What parents & educators say

Based on 7 parent & educator reviews:

86% say language is an issue
71% say sexual content is an issue
43% say there's too much drinking, drugs, or smoking

Read the reviews

Most useful reviews by all members

catwoman01
parent

ok to take 9 year old to show?

We have watched Jeff's show many times on the Comedy channel with our son who is now 9. We all laugh at the show every time. Purchased tickets to see him in person in February '12. I'm a little concerned about taking my son in person and what other people might think about us bringing our child. Should I be concerned or leave child with other family while we enjoy the show? It's very good entertainment.

What other families should know

TV Details

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Genre

The Jeff Dunham Show (Comedy Central)

common sense media says

parents & educators say

What parents need to know

More on The Jeff Dunham Show

What to talk about

Talk to your kids

What's the story?

What's the story?

Is it any good?

Is it any good?

TV themes & details

TV Details

Review It

Review The Jeff Dunham Show

What parents & educators say

Most useful reviews by all members

ok to take 9 year old to show?

my pov

About 13+

"Jef-f Dun-a-ham," Peanut (Argueing with myself)

JEF-F DUN-HAM HAHAHAHAH PENUT KILLS ME!

perfect for tweens-they have seen it all!

REALLY?!!!!!!

Not for kids under 15

iffy for 14

Really funny,but not for little kids.definitely.only Tweens who have permission teens,and adults.

HILARIOUS!

Dunham's show falls flat

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