Flight of the Conchords

TV review by Sierra Filucci, Common Sense Media
Flight of the Conchords Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 15+

Mock-folk music duo strums hip Kiwi comedy.

HBO Comedy 2007
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Parents say

age 15+

Based on 3 reviews

Kids say

age 13+

Based on 5 reviews

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A Lot or a Little?

The parents' guide to what's in this TV show.

What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that this musical comedy about a faux folk duo is pretty mild for HBO. The language is uncensored, but it's nowhere near the levels of shows like Deadwood and Six Feet Under. And while some scenes show social drinking and touch on drug use, and storylines typically revolve around dating attempts (most of which fail), there's probably nothing here that mature teens haven't seen or heard before. Song lyrics occasionally insult women, but they're more intended to poke fun at traditional pop music than to reveal any inherent misogyny.

Community Reviews

Michelle T.
Michelle T. Adult
August 6, 2021
age 15+

Quirky Comedy with a lot of Sexual References/Some Drugs

My husband and I love this show, it's quirky kiwi perfection. We're excited now that our kids are 15 and 17 to recommend it to them, though I think it may be awkward to watch it with them-though it might be fine. This show isn't great due to educational messages or inspirational characters, but rather for the ridiculousness and humor. While sex and drugs are present, they aren't glamorized. They're in a humorous, often awkward context. Definitely not for younger teens/kids but if you have mature older teens who enjoy offbeat comedy consider this show!
Stanza
Stanza Adult
August 31, 2010
age 12+

Music stand-up best, shows second, cd's ... not quite.

I came across FotC through a linked youtube of "The Humans are Dead". Being an aspiring musical comedian myself, I have analyzed all the videos of their live shows. These are top class performances and I have analyzed their techniques thoroughly on our blog, starting at below link. I didn't like their tv series nearly as much, though the songs as intermezzos are often very funny again. Strangely so, the same songs when produced onto a cd, lose a lot of their humoristic qualities, probably because these masters of mime and timing haven't got enough verbal virtuoso to offer for mere text and melody. blog.stanzamuziek.be/2010/07/21/een-analyse-van-humor-aan-de-hand-van-het-repertoire-van-flight-of-the-conchords-1/
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What's the Story?

New Zealand music/comedy duo Bret McKenzie and Jemaine Clement play themselves: Two hapless Kiwi musicians who've just moved to New York City hoping to make a name for their band. They fumble about, planning their big break with their moronic manager, Murray (Rhys Darby) -- whose day job is the New Zealand Cultural Attaché -- and try to avoid the attentions of their obsessive (and perhaps, only) fan, Mel (Kristen Schaal). As the guys go about their indie boy life -- attending parties, meeting with Murray, tuning their guitars -- they frequently break into clever songs. Sometimes they relate to the action on the screen, such as when Clement sees a girl at a party and sings a Prince-like love song about her ("you could be a part-time model") as viewers watch the two meet, flirt, date, and wind up back at his apartment. Other songs pop up when Bret and Jemaine are actually practicing their music or filming (sort of) a music video.

Is It Any Good?

McKenzie and Clement garnered a cult following thanks to their hilarious performances at comedy and music festivals around the world; they turned their traveling act into this hipster musical series. FLIGHT OF THE CONCHORDS is kind of like a hip Dumb and Dumber, following two rather brainless-but-quite-charming guys as they navigate single-guy life while remaining committed friends and partners.

With its clever writing, appealing characters, and unique approach to comedy, the show attracted a loyal niche following during its two seasons on HBO. Teens may well dig the show's wit, and despite its attention to romance and relationships and unbleeped profanity, most parents should feel OK about letting mature kids watch.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the series' take on pop and folk music. Which aspects of each genre are being made fun of? What makes them good targets for comedy? Do the guys on the show remind you of any real bands?

  • How does the fact that the stars are from New Zealand affect the show's humor? Do you think it would be as funny if it were about Americans?

TV Details

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