Xavier: Renegade Angel (Cartoon Network)

common sense media says

Purposely offensive CGI series isn't for kids.


parents & educators say
  • 40% say there are positive messages
  • 30% say sexual content is an issue

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this animated Adult Swim series is intended for mature audiences only (and opens with a disclaimer saying so). It's full of crude references to oral sex, same-sex relationships, and incest; cartoon nudity (buttocks and breasts are visible; male genitalia is blurred); and blood (limbs are torn from people and animals, etc.). Racial and homophobic epithets ("honky," "dyke," and more) are used frequently, and the stream of words like "ass," "bitch," and "hell" is endless.

Positive messages: The show doesn't pretend to be offering anything other than dark, adult-oriented humor. Expect frequent negative stereotypes (of homosexuals, small-town residents, and many more).
Positive role models: Xavier has a moral center but is self-absorbed and lacks any real power. Many characters are portrayed stereotypically; many others make crude fun of characters based on these stereotypes.
Violence: Pushing, shoving, and frequent punches to the groin area. Some graphic violence, like pulling limbs from people and animals and blood spattering. Also shows the charred remains of Xavier's adoptive father.
Sex: Lots of strong sexual innuendo and crude references to oral sex, sexual intercourse, and incest. Animated characters are seen naked (buttocks and breasts visible) while showering or having sex. Male genitals are blurred. Same-sex kissing and making out visible.
Language: Strong language includes words like "hell" and "ass." Also frequent use of derogatory words like "honky" and "dyke."
Consumerism: Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Beer drinking. References to drugs, including crack.

More on Xavier: Renegade Angel

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
  • Families can talk about the use of stereotypes in TV shows. Why do show creators use derogatory language to create humor? Does using this language in adult programming make it more appropriate? Does anything in the show shock you, as well as make you laugh?
  • How does the media typically portray people and cultures that seek spiritual guidance? Which cultures rely on ancient guides and rituals to guide them through life? What kind of answers are people who practice spiritual guidance looking for?

What's the story?

What's the story?

XAVIER: RENEGADE ANGEL is a decidedly adult-oriented animated series that follows the narcissistic spiritual wanderings of a half man/half beast named Xavier. The odd-looking, self-absorbed creature embarks on a search for his father's killer ... after burning down his parents' house while they were still inside. Oblivious to the fact that he is responsible for the death, he travels the country, hoping to unlock the deep mysteries of his soul while helping others.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 

Unfortunately, the people that Xavier meets on his journeys are usually too narrow-minded to accept him into their community. It doesn't help when the untalented, rather powerless healer causes major problems while feeding his self-absorbed need to uncover life's deeper meaning. But with the help of his ancient spirit guide, Xavier usually manages to at least partially fix the messes he creates along the way.

Created by John Lee and Vernon Chatman, the show's computer graphic animation makes it look more like a video game than a TV series. And looks aside, this Adult Swim series isn't very entertaining. It features lots of crude sexual references, nudity, and gory violence. It's also full of offensive stereotypes of various groups (including homosexuals and small-town residents) and derogatory language. Some adults may enjoy this kind of humor, but it's definitely not for kids.

TV themes & details

TV Details
TV Rating: TV-MA
Network: Cartoon Network
Cast: John Lee, Vernon Chatman
Genre: Comedy
Where to watch: Cartoon Network

This review was written by Melissa Camacho
 
 

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What parents & educators say

10
Based on 10 parent & educator reviews:
  • 40% say there are positive messages
  • 30% say sexual content is an issue
  • 30% say there are positive role models

Most useful reviews by all members

Comonsensisret ...
kid, 10 years old
 
MORAL in an odd way, BUT HOW CSM, U GIVE DRAWN TOGETHER 3 STARS AND THE BEST CGI EVER 2? HOW
behind the violence, and explicit sexual content, great show for tweens and up it is very moral but scary or innapropriate, or misunderstood for children under my age (9) so On for 9+ Iffy For 8, and it gives no one under 8 a reason to watch unnatended

Codeman
adult
 
Great for teens and adults. little kids should be in bed
I love this Show! I hate parents who try and shelter their kids from real world things, granted this show is not for everyone but there is nothing wrong with it. I wastch it every night when its on.

Disneyfrigginsucks
teen, 18 years old
 
It's really not so bad,
Great messeges and although this show can be pretty violent and TV-MA-V it has great morals so extremely educational for most people, I MEAN HE IS PURE GENUIS, i really don't find it adult,

 
amazing
you people need to learn what mind expanding is all about..xavier is pure genius

Mr. Boxbox
parent of 16 year old
 
If you only find shows like Glee and Scrubs to be funny, then this show is definately not for you. It is a very bizarre and very amusing show. The humor can be crude, ignorant and childish but it can also be philosophical and very surreal. The show is so bizarre that you will never get bored with it. I recommend it to fans of Aqua Teen and other Adult Swim cartoons.

MarinFan
parent
 
2 Stars!? Really, most of us say 5 stars!!!
PURE GENUIS

NK17
adult
 
Not as offensive as it seems, WHY DID CSM GIVE 2 STARS?????????????????????????
REALLY NOT SO BAD, there is absolutely NO language, there is some suggestive diolauge or intense cartoon violence, but great messages, so I say 11+

 
What happened to creative television?
Some people might be offended by the crude subject matter and overtly offensive stereotyping of Christians, homosexuals, and other groups (which they should be), but the real crime that Xavier: Renegade Angel commits is that it isn't even creative in its use of controversial subject matter. The show is simply incoherent and unwatchable. It has no depth or societal commentary, it is just a noisy assault on the senses.

ryu15
adult
 
Wow, how could we have know that this show is not for kids
oh yeah thats right It's on a network block called ADULT Swim. Nuff said.

 
Like, the best show ever!
This show is just so funny, really really is. If your sense of humor is basically just made up of Dane Cook or Family Guy then this isnt for you, but all things else concern, its just hilarious. This show is full of wisdom and is best when your high. I thought i was about crap my pants from this, like Xavier would say "Who ever found it, browned it". Also if you can get your hands on some acid, this is a must to watch. Shrooms do the job also.

 
I searched for this show on google...
...and I found this website. Alright, so this show isn't for kids. Nonetheless, it is another ingenious piece of humor from the creators of Wonder Showzen. The first episode was iffy for me, at least as far as the comedy went. But as the series progressed, it only got better. I just wish the season wasn't over so soon. But as it says on the official Xavier/Pffr website, season 2 is foretold.

bk375394
kid, 13 years old
 
what the......
first of all this show is really weird and offensive and there is pretty graphic cartoon violence. a lot of nudity and raunchy sexual diolouge. there really is no language except for many crude sexual terms. A lot of graphic violence bloody sprays from wounds and people regularly muillated or disemboweled. so i'd be careful letting your kids watch this

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About our rating system
ON: Content is 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