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Little Britain (BBC America)

common sense media says

Outrageous British comedy is sketchy for teens.

parents & educators say
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What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this over-the-top British sketch comedy series has lots of simulated nudity -- the male stars don topless, rotund female costumes for some skits. They also sometimes sport thongs themselves, leaving little to the imagination. Much of the show's purposely crass humor involves stereotypes of groups including homosexuals, the overweight, the disabled, and the elderly.

Positive messages: The series is based on jokes at the expense of people who are elderly, overweight, disabled, homosexual, etc. Any and all personality quirks are exploited for laughs. Body humor is prevalent, as when a woman urinates on the floor without notice.
Violence: Infrequent comic scuffles never result in injury.
Sex: Male characters wear thong underwear. Actors dress in suits that make them look like naked heavyset women. Conversations often refer to sex: A man says he wants a "good hard shag," and a woman encourages a gay friend to get "some bum." Homosexuality is the brunt of multiple jokes.
Language: "Bitch" is popular.
Consumerism: Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Some sketches show characters smoking or drinking alcohol.
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More on Little Britain

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about comedy. How would you characterize the humor in this series? How does it compare to comedy you've seen in other shows and movies? Did you find this kind of humor funny? Why or why not? Parents can also talk with their teens about getting laughs at other people's expense. What groups of people are the brunt of the jokes in this series? Can you relate to them at all? How so? Have you ever been the subject of other people's laughter? How does it feel?

What's the story?

What's the story?
British sketch comedy LITTLE BRITAIN offers an off-kilter view of English society, as seen through the eyes of writers/co-stars David Walliams and Matt Lucas. The show pokes fun at British misfits, whose many misadventures fuel the series' ribald humor. Little Britain's colorful characters, all of whom are played by the versatile Walliams and Lucas, include Daffyd, the proudest gay resident of a small Welsh town, who sports a variety of skimpy rubber suits and takes offense when other homosexuals tread on his turf, and Marjorie Dawes, the leader of a weight-loss group called the Fat Fighters, who conveniently overlooks her own considerable size when she belittles members for their food weaknesses. Former Olympic athlete turned professional resort resident Bubbles Devere divides her time between prancing through the spa in a cover-up that barely covers her substantial frame and dodging the manager, who's pushing her to settle her bill, while transvestite friends Florence and Emily prove that beauty is more than skin deep as they try to blend into modern society (though Florence's mustache makes it somewhat difficult).

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 

There's no denying the comic talent of Little Britain's two stars, but the show's decidedly British humor will make it an acquired taste for many American viewers, who likely won't get some of the social and political undertones that make it such a hit with Britons. Parents will probably want to preview the show before giving teens the OK, since lots of the jokes are based on sexual orientation, appearances, and various physical and mental handicaps. Nudity is also an issue -- one flamboyant male character often wears a thong, and the actors sometimes don costumes that look like naked female bodies.

TV themes & details

TV Details
TV Rating: TV-14
Network: BBC America
Cast: David Walliams, Matt Lucas, Paul Putner
Genre: Comedy
Where to watch: BBC America
This review was written by Emily Ashby
 
 

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Most useful reviews by all members

Madbax21
teen, 14 years old
11
 
FUNNY, but know your kids
This is very funny. Just know your kids and make sure they understand the themes.
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MMomma73
parent
 
Nudity
I watched this show a few episodes, thought it was funny, until a sketch showed a naked man (full frontal male nudity). Won't be watching again.
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whaleoh4060
teen, 14 years old
12
 
Hilarious!
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HenryRedJeanz
teen, 14 years old
12
 
Very funny, but crude and disrespectful - know your kid :(
Parents need to know that Little Britain is a very very funny show which 12 year olds and teens will probably want to watch because it is verrry verrry funny. However, please make sure that your kid understands sexuality and other adult themes, because there is a lot of sex, including some very disrespectful portrayals of transvestites, homosexuals etc. and the whole show deals with very adult themes including transvestites, homosexuality, elderly people, overweight people, asian/black people etc and mercilleslly makes fun of all these issues, and although its funny it is also very disrespectful, so discuss the fact that its not ok to make fun of people who are different just to make sure... there is some nudity (fake but realistic boobs and bums and vaginas and penises), and a good dose of toilet humour (people wet themselves, projectile vomit on others in public etc.), so i think that if your kid is 12 and mature and understands serious sexual topics, can put up wit harsh language, disrespectful humour and racist remarks, go for it! If you want a more classy, clever and less crude british sketch show, try The Catherine Tate Show, it's much funnier and better quality :)
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