The Short List

Review

Common Sense Media says

Lame pop-culture recap has strong language, snarky bite.
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

Not yet rated

Kids say

Not yet rated

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that there's a good bit of swearing in this glorified Top 10 list of themed superlatives -- like "The Ten Craziest Reality TV Meltdowns" or "The Ten Cutest Celebrity Babies." The strongest words (including "f--k" and "s--t") are bleeped, but other terms -- like "d-bag" and "bitch" -- are audible. Since the show rounds up discussion topics from a variety of places, episodes could include sexual subject matter or highlight semi-violent clips from other television series. Expect some (comedic) references to drugs and drinking, too.

  • Positive messages0
    Although it's all meant to be in good fun, the show's general message is that it's acceptable -- and entertaining -- to talk about other people and make fun of them.
  • Positive role models0
    The series isn't trying to showcase positive role models. Still, most of the talking heads are snide and overly snarky, and the people they talk about are frequently selfish, rude, or careless.
  • Violence1
    Some clips feature arguing or fighting.
  • Sex2
    Talk sometimes steers toward sex, with words like "sexy" or "boobs."
  • Language3
    Words like "f--k," "s--t," and "a--hole" are bleeped, but terms like "d-bag," "bitch," etc. are audible.
  • Consumerism0
    Not applicable.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking1
    Comedic discussions about using drugs or drinking to excess.
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What's the story?

THE SHORT LIST combines two beloved American pasttimes -- gossiping about celebrities and making lists -- and rolls out a tongue-in-cheek roundup of the "greatest," "worst," etc., aspects of a particular pop-culture topic, such as "The Hottest Celebrity Beach Bods" or "The Ten Most Awkward Celebrity Moments." A rotating line-up of comedians and other commentators weigh in from week to week, offering opinions and making jokes about Lady Gaga, celebrity babies, and more.

Is it any good?

 

It's no secret that The Short List relies on a formula that a lot of people like, using comedians' unfiltered snark to poke fun at celebrity culture. But that doesn't mean it stacks up to the much funnier shows that came before it, including VH1's stand-out Best Week Ever and I Love the ... series.

Maybe it's the uninspiring topics (do we really care about celebrity babies or, even worse, the famous tools that might have spawned them?) or the show's roster of obscure (and largely unfunny) comics. Either way, if you're looking for quick-fix laughs, you might not get what you came for.

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What families can talk about

  • Families can talk about pop culture and what makes people bona fide "celebrities." Why is it considered more socially acceptable to mock famous people or say mean things about them? How are celebrities different from "real" people?

  • What makes a comment humorous as opposed to hurtful? Do any of the people on this show go too far?

  • Why are shows like this so popular? What is it about Top 10 lists, especially, that everyone seems to love?

This review was written by Kari Croop
Kid, 12 years old
December 19, 2010
AGE
12
 
Great Tween Or Teen Comedy
This is a funny show. Not too severe language, most severe ones are bleeped out. It's funny, even my brother watches it. The language doesn't rub off on him, it won't rub off on your kids. Great fun for older kids.
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This review was written by Kari Croop
TV rating:TV-14
Network:VH1
Genre:Comedy
This review was written by Kari Croop
 

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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.
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