Sports Show with Norm MacDonald

 Review

Common Sense Media says

Comedian's edgy, raunchy commentary on sports.
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

Not yet rated

Kids say

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What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this comedy series delivers a viewpoint on sports news that's based in edgy jokes and mockery. Jokes frequently skirt the edges of good taste with punchlines that focus on sex acts and sports scandals. Language is occasionally strong, though the harshest words ("s--t" and "f--k") are bleeped. The show's negative, sarcastic tone and edgy content will be more of a concern for parents.
 

  • Jokes focus on mocking sports celebrities and events, with a sarcastic tone that works for comedy but is based in disrespect and doesn't take anything seriously.
  • Though popular sports figures are the focus, only their most negative traits are focused on. MacDonald is funny, yes, but he's too sarcastic and crude to be any kind of role model.
  • Humorous clips occasionally feature unexpected violence -- for example, a dancer being run over by an ice cream truck.
  • Frequent, lengthy discussion of sex as part of jokes, using frank terminology and mention of specific acts, such as "blow jobs."

What's the story?

Former Saturday Night Live Weekend Update host and stand-up comic Norm MacDonald anchors SPORTS SHOW WITH NORM MACDONALD, a skewed take on the latest sports news. The opening segment -- in which MacDonald mocks news stories with his dark comedic spin -- will be familiar to SNL fans, while the rest of the show features pre-taped comedy sketches and stand-up monologues.


Is it any good?

 

MacDonald is perhaps best known as the only Weekend Update host on SNL to (allegedly) be fired by the network for the content of his jokes. That incident provides a good barometer as to whether or not his comedy philosophy is to the taste of the average TV viewer and sports fan. MacDonald specializes in a style of comedy that takes no prisoners and pushes the boundaries of good taste. His ideal reaction seems to be a shocked gasp, followed by gales of laughter. He achieves that reaction frequently during Sports Show; his edge hasn't dulled, and his comedic mind is as sharp as ever.

In terms of format, it's hard not to view Sports Show as a spin-off of the similarly structured Daily Show, although Sports Show is more personality-based. Those easily offended may want to flip the channel, and parents will want to use their own judgment on whether the show's content and tone are appropriate for teens.


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What families can talk about

  • Families can talk about how the show treats superstar athletes who have made major mistakes. Are the jokes fair to the athletes? Why or why not?

  • Does this comedy series make it seem attractive to become a professional athlete? Why or why not?

  • What's the purpose of fake news shows like this? Do you find the humor funny? If so, why?


This review was written by Matt Springer
Parent of 12 year old
April 21, 2011
 
Absolutely Hilarious but not for kids or teens
Adult humor at it's best. Should you allow your tweens or teens to watch this, I'd question your parenting skills. Definitely, adult humor focusing on what most sports figures do best... sex scandals, steroids and drug abuse, etc. Not something you want to expose your children too, but if you are an adult you're going to love this show! Absolutely hilarious.

Flag as inappropriate 

This review was written by Matt Springer
Topics:sports and martial arts
TV rating:TV-14
Network:Comedy Central
Cast:Norm MacDonald
Genre:Comedy

This review was written by Matt Springer
 

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About our rating system
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.
Learning ratings
BEST: Really engaging, great learning approach.
GOOD: Pretty engaging, good learning approach.
FAIR: Somewhat engaging, OK learning approach.
NOT FOR LEARNING: Not recommended for learning.

 

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