Common Sense Media Review
By Joyce Slaton
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Faux talk show has edgy content, big laughs.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Comedy Bang! Bang!
What's the Story?
Scott Aukerman and Reggie Watts are the hosts of COMEDY BANG! BANG!, a farcical/satirical take on the late-night talk show. Aukerman is the man in the single chair beside the double couch, where guests like Sarah Silverman and Adam Scott pop in to answer questions like "If you were to die, which member of your family would be the most sad?" and "What is your favorite shape?" In between interviews, viewers may see behind-the-scenes show drama, such as rebellions staged by the camera crew, and wacky sketches that depict, say, how Aukerman manages to cover his Spock ears on camera. At the end of the show, guests and hosts often play silly games, such as Jukebox Jury, a song-rating competition in which numbers are deemed either "mustard" or "pants," or "Would You Rather?"
Is It Any Good?
Made by some of the comedy minds who brought you Mr. Show and Between Two Ferns, Comedy Bang! Bang! takes the same talk-show-mockery tack as Between Two Ferns, without the fake arguments. Comedy Bang! Bang! also has a bit of a Pee-wee's Playhouse vibe, with weird friends dropping by, talking stage props and extreme silliness.
However, on Comedy Bang! Bang! the humor tilts towards the adult, unless your child will get jokes about rating mustards and turning a sick day from work into a party at home. There are other adult topics referenced, but it's nothing that adults would be embarrassed to watch with teens.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about why rather disturbing things, such as racist or sexist statements, or graphic and terrifying images, can be funny. What is funny anyway? One researcher nailed it down: Funny is a benign violation. Does the humor on Comedy Bang! Bang! fit that description?
Is there anything on Comedy Bang! Bang! that you wouldn't want your little brother or sister to see? What about your grandmother or grandfather?
Is the viewer supposed to like the hosts and guests on Comedy Bang! Bang! What brings you to that conclusion?
TV Details
- Premiere date : June 8, 2012
- Cast : Reggie Watts , Scott Aukerman
- Network : IFC
- Genre : Comedy
- TV rating :
- Last updated : September 29, 2022
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