 | 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. |
Sports Action Team
Common Sense Media says
Uneven improv spoof is strictly for sports fans.
Parents say
Kids say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this comedy series is a parody of a sports interview show and caters to sports fans. The show's semi-improvisational nature leads to some strong language and storylines, and although much of the more-adult humor will go over the head of young viewers, parents may want to pre-screen. Parents should also know that this show provides some insight into what goes into a career in sports broadcasting and might be interesting to kids who are thinking of a career in sports journalism.
What's the story?
Following the old adage that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, SPORTS ACTION TEAM parodies the wonderful world of sports and the reporters who cover it. The Sports Action Team reporters (who are played by an ensemble of improvisational actors and comedians) interact with real-life athletes, coaches, and other sports figures, chatting about sports and other things that might come up during the interview. Segments of these interviews are broadcast during the Action Team's muddled weekly television broadcast. The "sporting team of reporting" is headed by career-driven and somewhat neurotic Nicole Cheng (Niki Lindgren) and features arrogant Kevin Fleming (Kevin Kelly), clueless Anthony Mak (Antoine McKay), pleasant-but-oblivious Al Click (Al Samuels), and earthy, philosophical Katie Hernandez (Katie Nahnsen). They're joined by the less-than-talented Steve Kelley (Steven Fleming), a college student who plans to jump-start his career in sports journalism by working with the hapless group. Clearly targeted at sports fans, the show combines interview clips with Three Stooges-type humor. It also offers a behind-the-scenes look at the making of a weekly sports show.
Is it any good?
Some bits hit their mark and offer real laughs (an interview with Conan O'Brien, for example). But others fall painfully flat, stretching on far too long as the actors push to find a funny moment. Because Sports Action Team's dialogue is only partially scripted, some of the interviews incorporate inappropriate remarks, sexist jokes, and profanity (which is loudly bleeped out for comic effect, making the swearing more obvious than it needs to be). The show also contains some footage of dangerous stunts that shouldn't be tried at home.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about what it takes to put a sports show together. What skills do you need to work in sports broadcasting? What makes a good interview? Families can also talk about their favorite sports teams and their favorite athletes. Who are the athletes that you most admire and why? Last but not least, parents and kids can discuss the nature of improv comedy. Is it always funny? Do you think the interviewees are in on the joke?
- Show:
- All members
- Parents
- Teens & kids
| Topics: | sports and martial arts |
| TV rating: | TV-14 |
| Network: | NBC |
| Cast: | Antoine McKay, Kevin Kelly, Niki Lindgren |
| Genre: | Comedy |
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