South Park

 Review

Common Sense Media says

Outrageous humor with a message. NOT for kids.
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

Kids say

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this show, while animated, isn't meant for young kids. There's constant swearing, cartoon violence, potty humor, jokes about sexuality, and mocking of authority figures. One character is made fun of for being physically and developmentally disabled, another for his weight. One of the main characters dies in almost every episode. People of every race, class, gender, religion, profession, and credo are parodied, albeit usually with the intent of proving a point against society's hypocrisy and political correctness. Note: Episodes aired in syndication have been edited for content to meet network broadcasting standards.

  • The show uses gross-out humor to address serious issues, and audience members are meant to see past offensive content in favor of its socio-political commentary. But there's still a lot of iffy stuff here, from humor at the expense of specific minority groups to over-the-top potty humor.
  • Cartman, is the embodiment of selfish egotism, and none of the children should really be considered role models. Their parents and the other adults in their lives are equally flawed, with the occasional exception of mentor Chef -- though even he isn't perfect.
  • Mainly cartoon violence; none of it is scary, though plenty of it is over the top/gross. One character, Kenny, dies in many episodes, usually in a brutal fashion.
  • Jokes about hermaphrodites, homosexuality, promiscuity, and more. Plotlines usually involve at least some sexually related content.
  • Fourth-graders swear like sailors, spouting racist, homophobic, and anti-semitic slurs. Even "s--t" airs unbleeped -- though syndicated versions of the show censor that and a lot of other words.
  • Many products are mentioned, but usually because they're going to be mocked, including the iPad, video games/game systems, and more.
  • Characters who use drugs (illegal and prescription) and alcohol are usually portrayed in a negative light.

What's the story?

Brought to you by gross-out impresarios Matt Stone and Trey Parker, SOUTH PARK is an animated show featuring the bizarre exploits of four foul-mouthed Colorado elementary school children. Cartman is obnoxious, racist, anti-Semitic, spoiled, and selfish; Stan is earnest and afraid of girls (especially Wendy Testaberger, whose mere presence provokes vomit); Kyle is Jewish and confused about his identity, which isn't helped by Cartman's constant insults; and Kenny (R.I.P.) is mysteriously killed off in almost every episode under dubious circumstances. Insanity (and inanity) prevails in the boys' small mountain town as it's constantly overcome by strange events involving celebrities, the supernatural, and the just plain weird. Cows are abducted by aliens, snowmen go on killing sprees, and a piece of excrement teaches kids about the spirit of Christmas.


Is it any good?

 

Shocking, offensive and hilarious, South Park continues to undermine authority with its creative and insightful critiques of the media, politics, and celebrity hype. Occasionally, the show's point gets muddled in its outrageousness, but, for the most part, it's still as fresh as it was in its first few years.
 

South Park includes very mature content that's inappropriate for kids and young teens. Parents should be aware that the show requires a certain level of sophistication to understand its essential message. They may want to pre-screen the show and watch episodes with their teens to provoke further discussion on the issues being addressed.


Explore, discuss, enjoy

  • Families can talk about the sharp satire and cleverness that's buried beneath the series' crass jokes. What points are the creators trying to make? Does the show's over-the-top content detract from those points or help make them?

  • This show is considered controversial by many people/groups. Do you agree? What other movies/shows fall into a similar category?


This review of South Park was written by
Kid, 11 years old
May 1, 2010
 
Best show on Tv
OK. Everybody out there thinks that South Park is so horrible and stuff. In my opinion South Park is one of the best shows on TV. It makes fun of everything and it has some great points and brings up some great topics. The first time I saw it was when I was 8. You see everyone in America thinks that if you heard the word "sex" before you're 15 you'll end up a prostitute drug addict. Not true. This show has some great jokes and in most episodes there is some kind og moral. Trust me. I am a student in an elementary school and all of my friends there know perfectly well what sex is. A lot of kids must say f*ck an hundred times an day. So compared to what kids hear in schools, this so isn't that bad.
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Parent of 15 year old
November 23, 2009
 
South park
I am a Christian dad of a 12 year old boy and as long as you show your kids that they are not role models then I don't see anyharm in letting my kid watch it but I told him that if he starts acting like them then it's gone but it hasent effected him so maybe this wiill help you try to make a decision of your kids want to watch it
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Parent of 14 year old
September 23, 2009
 
great show. content can range from a few swear words to explicit graphic raunchy humor. it really depends what episode you are watching.
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Teen, 17 years old
April 17, 2011
 
Good show that I've watched since I was seven.
Watch this when you get what all the messages are in the show. Little kids will only like it because it has naughty words in it. This show truly shows how little kids act when their parents aren't around. This show also takes shots at everything. It doesn't just pick what it makes fun of. A great show.
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Teen, 16 years old
November 27, 2010
 
A Good Joke Here and There.
I started watching South Park recently. It's funny, but by no means the funniest show ever. Then again, I've only seen the first and second seasons, so I'm not totally sure how it changed throughout its production. I'd say not for anybody under 14.
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Kid, 8 years old
March 18, 2011
 
Err, Good for smart 13+ but bad for 10 and below.
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Adult
May 3, 2011
 
Hilarious
It surprises me that parents still feel like cartoons are only aimed towards children. But anyway... This show comments on basically every social issue you can think of. Because it does it in a crude way, a lot of people don't understand that, while it is crude humor, it has an intelligent message that you can enjoy even if you're not interested in said social issues or political issues. As far as the portrayals of Jesus and the Devil, and the comments I've seen about it, that's no reason to put off a show. Not everyone is Christian, and there's no reason you can't enjoy the show even if you are. I consider myself to be a Christian, but still love this show.

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Adult
April 15, 2011
 
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Teen, 14 years old
November 27, 2010
 
Doubtful show...
The show is very funny, but sexual themes, racism, religion and partial nudity made the show a bad show. I was so dissappointed when I saw South Park today. Maybe the bleeps are the answer, but anyway, this is not for children or young teenagers, even if they are 14 or 13. Children, never watch South Park.
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Teen, 16 years old
February 16, 2011
 
Must watch for teens
Kids definitely shouldnt watch this show. Half of them do just to be cool or to fit in even though they most likely dont get the humor or that everything is based off current events. But whatever, its a great show. New episodes aren't as good though

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This review of South Park was written by
TV rating:TV-MA
Networks:Comedy Central, UPN
Cast:Isaac Hayes, Matt Stone, Trey Parker
Genre:Comedy

This review of South Park was written by
 

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