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Spoons (BBC America)

common sense media says

Ribald Brit sketch comedy serves up racy laughs.

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What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this British sketch comedy series is full of strong language and constant references to sex (blow jobs, anal sex, and masturbation, to name just a few). Men are often portrayed as jerks in the name of humor, and stereotypical relationship issues (like a man feeling trapped by a woman who's planning a future with him) are exaggerated for laughs. Adults will enjoy the hilarity and likely relate to many of the awkward scenarios, but save this one for when the kids won't wander in.

Positive messages: The series casts a fairly negative light on the life of single urbanites, with constant references to sex, affairs, prostitution, and generally unhealthy romantic relationships. Gender and relationship stereotypes are played up for laughs. Bathroom humor can be explicit (as when one character described his recent bowel movement in detail).
Violence: Not applicable.
Sex: Not much is off-limits in conversation; one scene alone had references to "hand job," "blow job," "anal sex," and a man "working himself off." Other bits include acknowledgement of a woman's "knockers," another man "plowing one up in my wife," and a guy who "shot his packet." Occasionally nude women are shown waist-up from behind.
Language: "F--k" is bleeped, but "s--t" isn't. "Hell" and "Christ" are also popular.
Consumerism: Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Adults occasionally smoke and drink beer.
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

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What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about how TV comedies portray relationships. Does this series cast a negative light on relationships? How so? Which scenarios in particular give couples a bad rap? Can you think of other shows that do the same? Which ones are worse? Do they all do it for laughs? Why is it funny to viewers? Do you think the comedic exaggeration affects how viewers see their own relationships, or is it all just in good fun?

What's the story?

What's the story?
British sketch comedy series SPOONS draws inspiration and material from the awkward, annoying, and asinine moments of young adult life. From the guy who turns a wedding toast into a venting session over his wife's affair to a foot-in-mouth encounter with a woman sporting excessive facial hair ("a close shave" with embarrassment for sure), the talented eight-member cast relishes in the kinds of uncomfortable moments that most of us would sooner forget. Each episode consists of about eight brief skits, which usually feature one or two couples and a tense exchange between them. For example, there's the suave blind dater whose idea of a romantic evening is watching a cockfight. Or the mother who -- with just a shake of her head -- can make her son send his new girlfriend packing moments after meeting his mom.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 

As funny as the series is, there's plenty of reason to keep it an adults-only indulgence. Men are often the brunt of the humor; on the whole, they're portrayed as thoughtless, unconcerned, and emotionally unattached. Some of the male characters view their relationships as torturous, comparing themselves to prisoners. Others are just plain clueless, to the utter exasperation of their female counterparts.

Plus there's the frequently racy subject matter, which touches on affairs, masturbation, and orgasm. In one skit, for example, a man talks about how it feels to think about another guy "plowing one up" his wife; in another, a prostitute names her prices for acts like anal sex, a blow job, and watching a guy "work himself off." Toilet humor is also popular -- sometimes quite literally, as in the case of a dinner party guest who fills a pause in conversation with an extensive description of his recent bowel movement (though that's not the term he uses).

TV themes & details

TV Details
TV Rating: TV-MA
Network: BBC America
Cast: Kevin Bishop, Rosie Cavaliero, Simon Farnaby
Genre: Comedy
Where to watch: BBC America
This review was written by Emily Ashby
 
 

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ON: Content is appropriate for kids this age.
PAUSE: Know your child, some content may not be right for some kids
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