 | 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. |
The Big Bang Theory
Common Sense Media says
Goofy sitcom plays with stereotypes; some sexual innuendo.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that there's a fair amount of sexual innuendo in this sitcom about a group of socially dysfunctional geniuses who start up a friendship with their pretty female neighbor. Expect men and women appearing in bed together, as well as references to masturbation and words like "penis" and "coitus" amid the scientifically oriented dialogue. The characters are somewhat stereotypical; the guys' "nerdiness" is evidenced by their love of science fiction, abstract theoretical discussions, and inability to talk to women, while Penny, at least initially, exhibits a lot of "dumb blonde" traits. Drinking and smoking are sometimes visible. References are made to pop culture, ranging from Snoopy to Star Trek.
What's the story?
THE BIG BANG THEORY is a sitcom about a group of Cal-Tech physicists who can unlock the mysteries of the universe but are too socially inept to connect with most people here on Earth. Leonard (Johnny Galecki) and Sheldon (Jim Parsons) are roommates who spend their free time with fellow scientists Howard Wolowitz (Simon Helberg) and Raj Koothrappali (Kunal Nayyar), playing board games in Klingon and watching recorded Stephen Hawking lectures. But the planets start shifting when they meet Penny (Kaley Cuoco), a pretty blonde waitress/aspiring screenwriter who's moved in next door. Even though she doesn't always appear to have a terribly high IQ or an affinity for quantum physics, Penny's looks and willingness to befriend them has the geeky guys trying their best to charm her with their limited social skills. As the series progresses, additional female characters are introduced (Sara Gilbert and Mayim Bialik) who match Leonard and Sheldon's braininess.
Is it any good?
This fun, well-written series features an endearing cast who provide viewers with lots of humorous moments. Leonard, Sheldon, and their friends fully embrace their genius and recognize their social shortcomings. They also understand the value of friendship, loyalty, and staying true to themselves.
Still, while the show is definitely funny, its storylines about camaraderie and romance aren't exactly original. It also promotes all of the expected clichés about people in the sciences -- they have a passion for sci-fi characters and can't sell a pick-up line to save their lives, etc. -- and, in Penny, it sometimes puts forward the stereotypical "dumb blonde" image (though women with brains and awkwardness to match the guys' have been introduced as the series has progressed). But in the end, this show is about a group of nice guys basically having fun and looking for love.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about the characteristics typically associated with intelligent people -- particularly in the media. What do terms like "geek" and "nerd" really mean? Are they intended to be insulting or a recognition of someone's intelligence?
Are stereotypes ever appropriate? Although sitcom writers often use stereotypes to create humor (and sometimes call attention to intolerance), do they ever go too far?
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AGE
Do you EVER update your reviews?
This is a terrific show.
Do you people ever update your reviews? You say things like "Penny occasionally appears in a towel." So that happened once -- in the PILOT! Are you saying that once out of 75 episodes is really "occasionally"?
Also, you talk about Penny's "dumb blonde" character. That's true of the pilot, yes, but if you'd just WATCH THE SHOW(!) you'd see that she's grown into the smartest of the five main characters (not book smarts, but practical real-world smarts). She is NOT A DUMB BLOND!!
And what character has ever smoked a cigarette?
Seriously... do you even watch these shows or do you just watch the pilot, make a snap judgement and be done with it.
I think this show is a great way to get young people to think about careers in science. Do you mention in review that all the science is accurate and checked by a PhD from UCLA? No. Do you mention that the creators were inducted into the main Canadian science society? Or that the show was the only sitcom ever reviewed in "Science"? (By the way, they loved it.)
I think you just decided to hate this thing and you did.
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AGE
Perfect Geek Comedy show for 13+
I watch this show quite regularly with my parents and we all heartily enjoy it. It is geek humor (i.e. XKCD) so some may not understand it.
Bad stuff:
Innuendo is prominent.
Mild Language.
I disagree greatly with CSM's review. Penny is almost never seen in a towel, sperm banks were discussed only in the pilot, Sheldon was also only seen in his underwear in the pilot, and Leonard is rarely in his underwear. There is also no violence. CSM really failed this time.
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AGE
You may want to watch the first few episodes with parents to see what they think, only because of sexual content at times.
I absolutely love this show! I watch it with my parents all the time. Leonard, Sheldon, and Penny alone are a perfect trio; add in all of the other dorky and lovable characters and you have one of the best smart-comedy shows of all time. Sheldon has so many quirks: the way he knocks on the door, where he sits in the apartment, and "Bazinga!!" Though Penny is portrayed as the "dumb blonde" (yes I spell blonde like the English!) she's still able to keep up with the antics of her neighbors across the hall. My only concern is that with every episode the sexual innuendos and dry language have begun to oust all of the other parts of the show that I thought were truly funny. Consistent drinking amongst characters has become more prominent as well.
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AGE
Awesome show!
I'm a VERY mature 5th grade girl (as my mum says) so i watch alot of TV shows like this.(Family guy,scrubs,etc.)Let me tell you i ALWAYS laugh my head off when i watch this, I have to admit kids under the age of ten or immature ten-twelve year olds should NOT watch this show.Rock paper scissors lizard spock! lolz
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AGE
Bazinga!
My whole family loves this show! Sheldon is our favorite, of course. XD
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AGE
Why i live for thursdays :D
My current fave sitcom. Ties for second best tv show with scrubs. (:
i love how its educational, and hilarious. it keeps me laughing thirty mnutes straight. :D i love this sho and Jim ;D
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AGE
Hilarious with some innuendos
I've only seen a couple of episodes but Sheldon is my favourite character; he is so blatant! This is a pretty great show, who knew nerds could be so funny!
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AGE
Why this show is great for children
This show shows the facts of life. That you must all quit controling your children and filtering the information they recieve throughout life. Because if you do filter the things they see they will grow up just like the characters on this show and overall will be at a social disadvantage. This show is AMAZINGLY funny and you can even learn a few life lessons from it too if you look deep down into the plot of the show.
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AGE
Great show for 14 and up
I love this show. It is funny, and the characters are great. I love Sheldon <3. There is a lot of swearing and sex and some drinks and drugs, some beware of it if you kids watch. One other thing to watch out for - religion is a highly talked about topic on the show, and the stuff isn't always nice.
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AGE
And It All Started With A Big Bang!....BANG!....
And it all started with a Big Bang....BANG!.... LOL Big Bang Theory is an awesome show, but most of the time i dont understand what they say.. I do have to say that i am inlove with Sheldon Cooper <3 !!! he is like so funny. I love it when he goes *Knock,knock,knock,knock PENNY* three times. That is hilariouuss. Raj is one of my fave characters too, not to be racist or anything but his accent is funny!! hehe. Howard is freakin crazy. Always wanting to get laid, hmmm FUNNY. Leanard and Penny my not so favorite characters but they make a cute couple!!
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| TV rating: | TV-14 |
| Network: | CBS |
| Cast: | Jim Parsons, Johnny Galecki, Kaley Cuoco |
| Genre: | Comedy |
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