The Jeff Dunham Show

 Review

Common Sense Media says

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

Kids say

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.

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • No violence, though one of the comic’s characters is a terrorist who often jokes about destruction.
  • Some innuendo and sexist language. One of the puppet characters can be quite focused on "boobs," for example.
  • 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.
  • The series promotes the comedy career of its star, Jeff Dunham.
  • Some drinking, and several jokes about being drunk.

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.


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What families can talk about

  • 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?


This review was written by Will Wade
Parent
October 19, 2011
 
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.

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Adult
October 23, 2009
 
My husband and I watched about ten minutes of the show and turned the channel. In my opinion, the portion of the show I saw consisted mainly of sexual jokes and innuendos, not to mention the foul language. Face it, we all know (even the kids) what they're saying even with the bleeps! I think a lot of times our teens get mixed messages about what is appropriate for them to watch because we set one standard for ourselves as adults and a different standard for them as young adults. As Christians, I feel we should have the same standards for ourselves as we have for our teenagers when it comes to what we expose ourselves to on TV and at the movies. Vulgar is vulgar, no matter if you're 17 or 47!

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Kid, 13 years old
December 22, 2010
 
It is a funny show, but it does have some cuss words like the A-word, the B-word, the S-word (bleeped), the F-word (bleeped), the D-word, and the P-word. Also, there are LOTS of references to alcohol and tobacco and private parts. WAY TOO EDGY FOR YOUNG CHILDREN! 11+

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Kid, 11 years old
January 3, 2010
 
my pov
kool for old kids! aged 9-12 minorly iffy

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Parent
November 9, 2009
 
About 13+
Face it. It's a terrific show. Jeff Dunham is hilarious. He is rarely overly vulgar at all. If you can't handle a few bleeped words and think that that is bad for your kids then don't watch it. But, if you enjoy a wacky and funny comedian and his little buds... then do watch it. Me and my family enjoy it very much. As I said it rarely goes over the top. The only thing that may concern some is that Jeff Dunham is a big time Conservative Republican and doesn't mind people knowing it. So, for more Liberal parents that don't want their kids exposed to differing opinions shouldn't let them watch it. Personally I believe that it is smart to see both opinions and make a decision as to your beliefs on your own when you are old enough to. Anywho... I love this show, as does my family. 5/5 stars.

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Teen, 15 years old
June 20, 2010
 
"Jef-f Dun-a-ham," Peanut (Argueing with myself)
It is awesome! It only got cancelled because critics said it was for dumb people and no one wanted to appear that way!

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Teen, 18 years old
November 15, 2009
 
i love the show

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Teen, 17 years old
October 24, 2009
 
REALLY?!!!!!!
People it's supposed to be for teen audiences! and you're telling me that instead of A FEW dirty jokes that some teens won't even get you would rather your teen go see SAW 6!

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Teen, 14 years old
April 22, 2010
 
JEF-F DUN-HAM HAHAHAHAH PENUT KILLS ME!
AWESOME SHOW! I LOVE IT NOTHIN WRONG WIT IT!

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Parent of 8 year old
January 1, 2010
 
AS AN ADULT,,,I ABSOLUTLY LOVE HIM AND THE "THE GUYS", BUT NOT FOR MY 6 YR OLD SON. MY 9 YR STEPSONS GRANDPARENTS TOOK HIM TO SEE HIM AND I COULD NOT BELIEVE IT... NOT FOR CHILDREN ....GREAT FOR ADULTS

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This review was written by Will Wade
TV rating:TV-14
Network:Comedy Central
Cast:Jeff Dunham
Genre:Comedy

This review was written by Will Wade
 

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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.
Learning ratings
BEST: Really engaging, great learning approach.
GOOD: Pretty engaging, good learning approach.
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