Veep

 Review

Common Sense Media says

Lots o' language doesn't detract from hilarious satire.
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

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Kids say

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What parents need to know

Parents need to know that strong language is the biggest concern in the HBO comedy series VEEP, with "f--k" (and every imaginable variation of it), "bitch," "t-t," "s--t," and "dick" being the major offenders in the anything-goes dialogue. Sex and drinking are lesser concerns but do arise, though more as conversation points than anything else. Clearly this content isn't appropriate for most teens, who probably won't fully appreciate its satirical take on the political process as a whole anyway. But for adults, it's a scathing, laugh-out-loud glimpse at what might go on in one of the most questionably effective political offices in the country.

  • The series paints an unflattering picture of the political system as a whole -- and the vice president's role in particular -- poking fun at closed-door deals designed to further careers rather than effect positive change and making light of all-too-familiar issues like sexual relationships between public servants and interns in particular. There's also some politically incorrect name-calling like "retard" and "freak." The casting of a woman in a powerful role is a plus, but since the show takes jabs at her failures in that role as its main source of laughs, it's somewhat counterproductive.
  • Selina's motivations are good, and she does want to make a difference in her position, but she's foiled at every turn by incompetent staff, predatory media, and, at times, her own incompetence.
  • Not applicable.
  • More referential than visual. There's mention of extramarital affairs, implications of using a career position to solicit sex from interns, and references to erections.
  • Frequent, comedic versions of "f--k" ("f--ktard," "pencil-f--ked," and plenty more), as well as "bitch," "t-t," "s--t," "dick," "piss," and "God almighty."
  • Nothing stands out, but brand names like "Dell," "Blackberry," and "Wikipedia" pop up in the context of the dialogue.
  • Some drinking and references to being drunk.

What's the story?

Veep is a satirical comedy that centers on Selina Meyer (Julia Louis-Dreyfus), a former senator with aspirations for the presidency who's instead recently ensconced in the office of vice president. Neither she nor her lackluster staff is particularly thrilled with the position, since the impressive title belies surprisingly little influence. Bent on pushing through a few pet projects to make a name for herself, Selina must constantly temper her surging frustration with her staff, including her snarky chief of staff, Amy (Anna Chlumsky); her loyal right-hand man, Gary (Tony Hale); and the ambitious newcomer, Dan (Reid Scott). Oh, and it might help if she could get the president to return her calls, too.


Is it any good?

 

She's no commander in chief, but Louis-Dreyfus takes command of this role as the harried, cynical Selina, who might find the time to actually study the issues if only she could get her staff to stop arguing and get something accomplished. But even the seemingly bulletproof choice of promoting biodegradable spoons can devolve into a media frenzy when you're dealing with special-interest groups, power-hungry politicians, and jockeying operatives. To say there's a wealth of possible material for this political comedy to exploit is an understatement, and with Louis-Dreyfus at the helm, and a stellar cast and razor-sharp writing backing her, nothing is safe.

Veep leans more toward The Office than it does The West Wing, and there's little care given to political correctness or even an accurate representation of the legislative process itself. You won't walk away feeling confident about the goings-on behind the political doors, but it's fair to say that this might be a reflection of the current real-life state of affairs the show parodies. Ultimately this isn't a good choice for teens because of the copious cursing, but it's bound to find a receptive audience among grown-ups, since the coworkers' outrageous banter and ongoing head-butting with their common enemies isn't a stretch from generic office politics either.


Explore, discuss, enjoy

  • Families can talk about politics. In what ways does this series reflect citizens' impressions of the shape of the current U.S. political system? Is it fair to take such liberal jabs at a system that's not entirely transparent? Do you think real politicians would find its commentary amusing?

  • Language is the main reason this series has a "TV-MA" rating. Do you think the profuse cursing is necessary in the show? How might its absence change the show's tone? Do you think the language simply goes hand-in-hand with content that's best understood by adults?

  • How are powerful women generally portrayed on TV and in movies? Does Selina uphold or break any stereotypes? What messages does her characterization send about women in politics?


This review of Veep was written by
Parent of 2 year old
November 7, 2012
 
Has potential, but just doesn't quite get there
I hope Veep improves if it goes on to more seasons. It's first has been so-so in my opinion. I think they are trying to be funny most of the time, but a lot of the show seems serious, but they just don't quite pull it off. There were some things I liked about it, but overall, I could take it or leave it. The amount of language means it is definitely not for kids, but most likely they won't be interested anyway.
What other families should know:

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This review of Veep was written by
TV rating:TV-MA
Network:HBO
Cast:Anna Chlumsky, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Tony Hale
Genre:Comedy

This review of Veep was written by
 

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