Louie

Review

Common Sense Media says

Mature comedy series is both crude and entertaining.
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

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Kids say

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What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this late-night cable comedy series features sketches and stand-up routines with material that isn't intended for kids of any age. The language is strong (only "f--k" is bleeped -- words like “bitch,” “goddamn,” “c--k,” “p---y,” “faggot,” and “s--t” are audible), and conversations often include crude references to sexual acts, STDs, and other related material. Characters also drink and smoke. Amid the edgy comedy, the show addresses issues like divorce and parenthood.

  • Positive messages0
    The series looks at divorce and fatherhood through the humor of Louis C.K. -- humor that is frequently the very opposite of politically correct. Few topics are off-limits, and the ones that are discussed are addressed frankly and sometimes graphically.
  • Positive role models0
    Louie -- who is both divorced and a dedicated father --  looks at the world through his own unique perspective. He doesn't hestitate to make uncomfortable observations or address "taboo" topics, but he generally means well.
  • Violence1
    Occasional brawls between friends.
  • Sex4
    Some scenes show implied intercourse (woman bouncing on top of man, etc.). Strong sexual innuendo, as well as frequent frank conversations about masturbation and other sexual/sex-related acts and topics (for example, one episode includes a conversation about a child’s infected vagina). Sexual orientation is discussed.
  • Language5
    Words like “bitch,” “goddamn,” “c--k,” “p---y,” "faggot," "a--hole," and “s--t” are audible and used frequently. The "N" word is also used occasionally. "F--k” is bleeped.
  • Consumerism0
    Not applicable.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking3
    Drinking (mostly beer) and cigarette smoking during poker games and in other social situations. One skit features underage drinking. Another skit involves extensive pot smoking.
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What's the story?

LOUIE centers on the life of Louie (comedian Louis C.K.), a stand-up comedian working and raising two young daughters in New York City. In between gag-filled sketches about sharing class trips with his daughters and awkward first dates, the comedian gets on stage to offer his rather morose perspective about life after divorce.

Is it any good?

 

Louie -- which is loosely based on C.K.’s real life -- combines the comedian’s trademark routines with smartly written comedy sketches. Adding to the fun are guest appearances by comics like Rick Crom, Nick Di Paolo, and Ricky Gervais. The show’s strong sexual content, salty language, and sometimes crude humor make it a decidedly adult-oriented comedy. But it also has lots of genuinely funny moments that mature viewers with a taste for edgy comedy will definitely enjoy.

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What families can talk about

  • Families can talk about the different types of humor. Why do some comedians use strong language and/or make crude references, while others don't? Is edgy material funnier than tamer stuff?

  • Why do different people find different things funny? Teens: What do you find hilarious that your parents just don't get? Why?

This review was written by Melissa Camacho
Teen, 16 years old
August 8, 2010
AGE
14
 
ok for teens
ive seen every episode of this show up to the current and it is not bad at all it has some sexual content but so does every comedy these days and the main charicter is a nice and funny guy
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This review was written by Melissa Camacho
TV rating:TV-MA
Network:FX
Cast:Louis C.K.
Genre:Comedy
This review was written by Melissa Camacho
 

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About our rating system
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.
FAIR: Somewhat engaging, OK learning approach.
NOT FOR LEARNING: Not recommended for learning.
Our child development rating guidelines

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