| 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. |
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.
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.
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.
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?
| TV rating: | TV-MA |
| Networks: | Comedy Central, UPN |
| Cast: | Isaac Hayes, Matt Stone, Trey Parker |
| Genre: | Comedy |