 | 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. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Portlandia
Common Sense Media says
Quirky comedy about hipsters is mild but meant for adults.
Parents say
Kids say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this quirky comedy gently teases its intended audience of post-hip adults in their 30s and 40s, but otherwise has little iffy content. The show's humor is based on familiarity with the '90s, and the trends and characteristics of Portland, OR, and similar hip, progressive cities, which means most of the show's jokes may be lost on teens too young to understand the references.
What's the story?
This new six-part IFC comedy series, featuring Carrie Brownstein (singer/guitarist from Sleater-Kinney) and Fred Armisen (Saturday Night Live), pokes fun at Portland, Oregon's various subcultures and tendencies. Brownstein and Armisen present characters including feminist book store workers, bird-decorating home designers, organic farmers, hide-and-seek game league members, and punk rockers, among others. Much of the original music is written and performed by the pair. Series' guests include Kyle MacLachlan, Aubrey Plaza, Heather Graham, Gus Van Sant, Aimee Mann, and Selma Blair. The series is entirely shot on location in Portland, OR.
Is it any good?
PORTLANDIA is very, very funny if you're one of the audience members who can appreciate its context. Prerequisites for understanding and enjoying the finer points of its skits include some knowledge of Portland (or the idea of Portland), feminist bookstores, organic small farms, tech geekery, and hyperliteracy. That said, many parents in their 30s and 40s qualify nicely for enjoying the references to Tucker Max, free range organic heritage chicken, and iPad overuse. And while kids may not get it, they'll likely find some of the visual gags and back-and-forth banter between Brownstein and Armisen funny.
The show, which is shot entirely in and around Portland, is spot-on in its portrayal of cool, progressive cities that perhaps take themselves a bit too seriously. While the subcultures portrayed in the skits are definitely used as the butt of the jokes, these jokes are usually rather gentle. You can tell that Armisen and Brownstein appreciate Portland and its inhabitants, from the transgender feminists to the agro, self-righteous bicyclists to the coffee shop slackers. While the show may be limiting its audience given its specific setting, those that do get Portlandia will find it absolutely hilarious.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about the show's characters. Why do Fred Armisen and Carrie Brownstein make fun of their characters? Why is it funny? Do you think it is mean? Why or why not? Have you met people similar to those they portray?
Families can talk about context. Do you know anything about the city of Portland, Oregon? Do you think you would appreciate the show more if you lived in Portland? Is it necessary to know something about the types of people that are being portrayed in the series, such as punk rockers, to appreciate the humor?
Do you find it funny when actor Fred Armisen dresses as a woman? Why do you think dressing in drag is funny? Do you think he is making fun of women or just playing a character?
- Show:
- All members
- Parents
- Teens & kids
AGE
Was hilarious; got gross quick
The pilot was completely hilarious. There's a second where a polygamist "gooses" another man, and that man becomes one of his "wives"—but it's all silly.
The second episode we had to turn off halfway through, because of the thrusting and sex. No, it doesn't show nudity, but it is still completely inappropriate for kids and young teens.
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AGE
Funny show with local humor and stereotypes.
This is one of my favorite shows ever. Like the description, it's a smart, quirky show about hipsters and life is Portland, Oregon. I was first attracted to the show because for 10 years I lived in Vancouver, Washington (which is pretty much a suburb or Portland) and visited Portland a lot. Anyway, since the show is on IFC, the characters can say or do anything they want. The channel is completely uncensored. However, probably to maintain a broad audience, Portlandia doesn't feature too many cuss word or sex scenes. However, it has its share of them. There is a sex scene in the second episode, however there is no nudity and the show does its best to make it comical. Profanity is rarely used and usually you have to be listening pretty hard to hear it. The show stereotypes people in Portland, that it the whole plot. Sometimes these stereotypes can be harsh, such as the feminist bookstore duo. It's all in good fun and really doesn't matter. I would recommend this for kids 13 and up.
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Kid, 12 years old
January 20, 2012
AGE
Quirky and Hilarious for the Mature Viewers
Portlandia is a quirky show, that any SNL fan will love! Some sketches are inappropriate for younger viewers, but you should know your child's maturity. Overall, I know that I'll be watching Portlandia in the future!
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| TV rating: | NR |
| Network: | IFC |
| Cast: | Carrie Brownstein, Fred Armisen, Kyle MacLachlan, Steve Buscemi |
| Genre: | Comedy |
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