Kroll Show

Name: Kroll Show
Item: Kroll Show
Rating: 4
Author: Melissa Camacho

TV review by

Melissa Camacho, Common Sense Media

Common Sense says

age 16+

(i)

Hilarious sketch comedy is edgy, crude, and topical.

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A lot or a little?

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

Positive Messages

The series uses humor to poke fun at popular culture. References are made to homophobia, racism, abortion, and other issues, but are done in the spirit of poking fun at the absurdity surrounding these issues in everyday life and how they are handled in the media.

Positive Role Models & Representations

Kroll is funny and the characters he portrays are memorable -- but usually for all the wrong reasons.

Violence

Spoofs sometimes feature kidnappings, beatings, and point-blank shootings (without realistic blood). Teens are shown pretending to shoot their parents and engaging in other disturbing behavior. These events are intended to be more funny than scary.

Sex

Women are sometimes shown in bras, skin-tight leggings, and other revealing clothes; characters occasionally take their clothes off (but no nudity shown). Some skits feature characters kissing in a vulgar fashion and crude sexual references, including the words "t-ts." Abortion and miscarriages are referenced.

Language

Words like "ass," "bitch," and "crap" are audible; curses like "s--t" and "f--k" are bleeped. Spanish curses are audible.

Consumerism

Apple computers and Volvos visible. Contains references to a variety of TV shows, like Sex in the City, infomercials for diet products and other services, and a variety of reality shows.

Drinking, Drugs & Smoking

Skits feature tobacco, marijuana, cocaine, and illegal prescription drug use. Drug-related gang behavior is also featured.

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that Kroll Show features the edgy and mature sketch comedy of Nick Kroll, who is known for creating colorful characters who aren't always smart or politically correct. The show contains some strong language, crude sexual innuendo, plus drinking, smoking, and drug use in a humorous context. Some skits involve kidnappings, beatings, or shootings. Issues like homosexuality, racism, and abortion are common themes.

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What's the story?

KROLL SHOW is a comedy series starring actor-comedian Nick Kroll as he creates memorable characters and performs in sketches that poke fun at contemporary pop culture. Along with a changing cast of guest comedians including Jenny Slate, Ed Helms, Chelsea Peretti, and Adam Pally, Kroll performs in a variety of skits, including "Sex in the City for Dudes" and the teen soap "Wheels Ontario" designed to spoof popular media characters and culture. Throughout it all, Kroll plays a wide-variety of recurring roles, including a reality star/publicist, a doctor who is California's premier plastic surgeon for pets, and the inappropriate referee known as Ref Jeff. It can get pretty risqué, but it's all in the name of humor.

Is it any good?

From reality TV to social issues, Kroll Show spoofs the people, places, things, and ideas from popular culture for a laugh. But what makes this show a true success is Kroll himself, who molds himself into lively, believable, and memorable characters who are simply fun to watch.

Thsi kind of comedy definitely pushes some boundaries, and while it does offer some social commentary, there are other moments that rely on a few stereotypes or are simply designed to make viewers chuckle. It's not for everyone, but those who enjoy Kroll's stand up comedy or this style of intelligent-but-ironic humor will certainly find themselves laughing. But given the content, it's best left for older viewers.

Talk to your kids about ...

Families can talk about comedy. What makes something funny? Are there issues and/or topics that should never be treated as something humorous? Why do comedians and/or comedy shows rely so much on stereotypes to create a laugh. Is there a way to be funny without making these generalizations?
Behaviors like swearing, drinking, drug use, and sexual activity are often featured as things to laugh at in media for adults. Why? Is it just to entertain older viewers? Or is this a different and/or more subtle way of sending larger messages about specific topics?