The Soup

Review

Common Sense Media says

Snarky TV roundup skewers celebs and pop culture.
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

AGE
10
QUALITY
 

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that, because this "highlights" show rounds up the best of the worst when it comes to television and pop culture, teens who watch will be exposed to an ever-changing roster of iffy content. Any given episode could include mentions of threesomes and drunken outbursts or clips of two scantily clad people sharing a bed. But it could also feature relatively harmless compilations of Paula Abdul saying ridiculous things like "I love you. I want to hang you from a string on my rearview mirror." You never know. The tone is generally snarky and sarcastic, inviting viewers to join in on the fun of mocking celebs and reality show stars.

  • Positive messages0
    There's nothing overtly positive going on; the general idea is to make fun of -- and encourage -- outrageous behavior and television foibles.
  • Positive role models0
    Want positive role models? Keep looking. Most of the time, the real-life people and celebrities featured on the show are being held up for public ridicule because of their bad and/or strange behavior. McHale positions himself as being somewhat "above it all," but he also seems to relish celebs' embarrassing missteps.
  • Violence1
    Occasional replay of mildly violent scenes from other shows.
  • Sex3
    Regular mentions of threesomes, erections, sexual promiscuity, and the like, along with occasional clips from other shows showing characters making out, etc.
  • Language2
    Some use of "hell" and "damn," but bleeped swearing is rare.
  • Consumerism1
    Occasional mention of brand names (including Viagra, Playboy, etc.).
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking2
    Regular mentions of celebrities and/or fictional characters who use and abuse drugs and alcohol. Clips from other shows sometimes include shots of partying/drunken cast members.
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What's the story?

In THE SOUP, host Joel McHale shepherds viewers through an unruly landscape of mostly bad television, pointing out each week's most embarrassing and ridiculous moments via video clips -- and making fun of them accordngly. Although some newsy tidbits pop up from time to time, this is no news show; it's essentially a roundup of pop culture minutae. Regular segments include "Chat Stew," "Reality Show Clip Time!" and "Let's Take Some E!"

Is it any good?

 

If you're a pop culture junkie and can't stay away from shows that are so bad that they're somehow good, The Soup actually makes your life easier. "We watch so you don't have to," goes the show's motto -- and that pretty much sums up its value. Don't have time to watch trainwreck-worthy fare like Kendra or The Real Housewives of New Jersey? Let The Soup watch for you and collect the most cringe-worthy stuff. Don't really want to watch The Wendy Williams Show but can't help being fasincated by her antics? No problem. The Soup is here.

Of course, neither The Soup nor its irreverant host take themselves seriously -- and neither should you. After all, the show isn't meant to be anything more than pure guilty pleasure entertainment ... and in that department, it delivers in spades.

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What families can talk about

  • Families can talk about whether shows like this point out the absurdity of TV programming or merely feed the beast. Why do shows with the most ridiculous content tend to be the most popular? Why are so-called "train wrecks" so appealing?

  • How does this show treat celebrities? Does it revere them or tear them down? Are most of the celebs featured good role models or bad ones?

  • How do you think the show chooses which "stories" to run? Do you ever learn something by watching, or is it just mindless entertainment?

This review was written by Kari Croop
Teen, 17 years old
February 12, 2011
AGE
9
 
Perfect for everyone :)
Joel McHale is the best!
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Teen, 14 years old
June 27, 2010
AGE
8
 
off for immatyre 7 and under
this show is so funny
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Kid, 13 years old
February 3, 2011
AGE
12
 
Funny
I LOVE THIS SHOW! It's so funny, and I love Joel McHale! He reminds me of my dad...
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Teen, 17 years old
July 20, 2010
AGE
14
 
I love Joel McHale! He is hilarious! His show is just the right comedy relief and totally makes fun of people! So funnt! five stars! I have nothing but good things to say about this show. I love his point of view and how he only seems to make fun of well-hated celebrities who almost always deserve whats coming to them!
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Teen, 16 years old
August 12, 2010
AGE
2
 
Great Children's Show!!!
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Kid, 13 years old
February 10, 2010
AGE
11
 
I watch this for brain-numming fun! I love it! Some concerns for parents, though. Be careful if you are younger, but this is HILLARIOUS!!!!!!
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Teen, 14 years old
June 11, 2010
AGE
11
 
Um...
I really love this show I tune into E! every Friday and watch it. Some things are a little eye brow raising :-() but parents that have kids younger than 14 should DVR it and see if you approve od the episode. Because some episodes are okay, and some not-so okay
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Teen, 16 years old
February 1, 2010
AGE
12
 
So funny. I always laugh from start to finish. I love Joel McHale.
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This review was written by Kari Croop
TV rating:TV-14
Network:E!
Cast:Joel McHale
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.
Our child development rating guidelines

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