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The Soup (E!)

common sense media says

Snarky TV roundup skewers celebs and pop culture.

parents & educators say
See all 9 reviews | Review it

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 messages: There's nothing overtly positive going on; the general idea is to make fun of -- and encourage -- outrageous behavior and television foibles.
Positive role models: 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.
Violence: Occasional replay of mildly violent scenes from other shows.
Sex: Regular mentions of threesomes, erections, sexual promiscuity, and the like, along with occasional clips from other shows showing characters making out, etc.
Language: Some use of "hell" and "damn," but bleeped swearing is rare.
Consumerism: Occasional mention of brand names (including Viagra, Playboy, etc.).
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: 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.
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

More on The Soup

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
  • 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?

What's the story?

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?

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.

TV themes & details

TV Details
TV Rating: TV-14
Network: E!
Cast: Joel McHale
Genre: Comedy
Where to watch: E!
This review was written by Kari Croop
 
 

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Most useful reviews by all members

Spongebob Fan
kid, 13 years old
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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SUPERMARIOROCK ...
educator
17
 
SO MUCH F**KING PORN
God dam it I saw a naked women I bet Supersonicfan23 loves this s**t
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helped me decide (1) | had useful details (1) | read my mind (1)
MissWorld
teen, 17 years old
9
 
Perfect for everyone :)
Joel McHale is the best!
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Daisy15
kid, 13 years old
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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Meg_Mraz_fan
teen, 16 years old
2
 
Great Children's Show!!!
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Poison Ivey
teen, 17 years old
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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twilightfan123
teen, 14 years old
8
 
off for immatyre 7 and under
this show is so funny
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yellow polka ...
teen, 14 years old
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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MikaylaaMadisonn
teen, 16 years old
12
 
So funny. I always laugh from start to finish. I love Joel McHale.
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