Chozen
By Kari Croop,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Animated drugging, drinking rap star is too crass for kids.
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What you will—and won't—find in this TV show.
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What's the Story?
After serving time for a crime he didn't commit, a once-sunny hip-hop artist named Phil reemerges into society as CHOZEN (Bobby Moynihan), a hardened criminal with a thirst for redemption who sets up camp on his sister's couch at college. His priorities are a toss-up between food and sex with men. But getting back at his nemesis, Phantasm (real-life rapper Cliff "Method Man" Smith), and reclaiming his rightful spot at the top of the charts also are high on his to-do list.
Is It Any Good?
Even if you could argue that the jokes on Chozen are impeccable (which they aren't), there would still be plenty of people who would find them far from funny. After all, a rapper who flows rhymes such as, "Behold a hip-hop genius / lyrical master with a smooth-ass penis" is going to be a tough sell for most -- and he's definitely not the right role model for your teens and tweens.
Of course, the fact that Chozen is an animated series could send a confusing message that it's somehow suitable for kids, but please hear us when we say that it's not. Some of the crassest moments include an after-show party in a hotel room involving heroin and two tied-up girls being force-fed cold cuts. But a few of the funniest moments occur via flashback, when Chozen (then named Phil) was kinder and gentler -- and we kind of wish the show was about him instead.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Chozen's brand of comedy and whether it's dangerous to use stereotypes as a source for laughs. Is there a blurred line between funny and offensive? When does a joke go too far?
What is Chozen's target audience? Does the fact that the series is animated send a mixed message that it might be OK for kids?
How close does Chozen get to capturing the realities of rap culture and college life? What elements have been exaggerated for the sake of comedy?
TV Details
- Premiere date: January 13, 2014
- Cast: Bobby Moynihan , Hannibal Buress , Michael Pena
- Network: FX
- Genre: Comedy
- Topics: Music and Sing-Along
- TV rating: TV-MA
- Last updated: October 14, 2022
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