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Parents' Guide to

Important Things with Demetri Martin

By Kari Croop, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 15+

Teens will like slacker humor ... but will parents?

TV Comedy Central Comedy 2009
Important Things with Demetri Martin Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this TV show.

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What's the Story?

In IMPORTANT THINGS WITH DEMETRI MARTIN, host Demetri Martin (who spent time as a writer on Late Night with Conan O'Brien and as a correspondent on The Daily Show) picks a topic -- for example, "power" -- and runs with it. All over the place. There's a little bit of stand-up, a little bit of sketch comedy, and a little bit of drawing, too. He also works in some music with live performances of original songs that he accompanies on guitar and harmonica.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say Not yet rated
Kids say (3 ):

By marketing his show to teens and twentysomethings, Martin is playing his cards exactly right. After all, anyone older than his target audience might not get the joke. His style is low-tech (and often low-key), with a subtle nod to retro sensibilities ... and it is funny. But that doesn't necessarily mean it will catch on and become a hit.

The original song, "Me vs. You" -- in which Martin compares himself ("Me: Starving wolverine") with an unnamed enemy (You: Baby covered in pork chops") -- is a prime example of his flair for slacker irony. But as for this reviewer, well ... Me: Mildly amused. You? You might be, too.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the way that younger people view Martin's humor versus the way older people might see it. Teens: What do you like about Martin's comedy style? Is there anything you dislike? Parents: Do you find Martin funny? Why or why not? Families can also discuss Martin's decision to go low-tech with his graphics and effects. Why do you think he took that approach, considering we live in an age in which technology drives everything?

TV Details

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