Last Comic Standing
Parents say
Kids say
Searching for streaming and purchasing options ...
Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.
Get it now on
Searching for streaming and purchasing options ...
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 reality show features comedians competing against one another through stand-up routines. The comedians' material is generally tame, though some of it contains sexual, racial, homophobic, and body-size humor. The judges are occasionally harsh and insulting. In general, the humor is aimed at adults, though most teens will find an occasional laugh.
Wondering if Last Comic Standing is OK for your kids?
Set preferences and get age-appropriate recommendations with Common Sense Media Plus. Join now
Stay up to date on new reviews.
User Reviews
- Parents say
- Kids say
There aren't any reviews yet. Be the first to review this title.
What's the story?
Take American Idol, mix it with Survivor, and cast it with amateur and circuit comedians and you have LAST COMIC STANDING. This reality competition series proposes to find the funniest person in America (and sometimes even further afield than that) by holding open talent calls and bringing the best candidates back to Hollywood to live together while competing against each another in challenges. Ultimately, the finalists vie for a cash prize, a development deal, and a TV special.
Is it any good?
Overall, the judges tend to be kinder than those on Idol, though some of their comments veer toward the nasty side. Unfortunately, they're not as entertaining as the folks on Idol, either. But luckily, the comedians have a little something to offer to make up for what the judges lack. And thanks to careful editing, viewers are spared many of the groan-inducing moments and treated to only the best jokes.
The comics' material is generally clean, although sexual, racial, mildly homophobic, and fat jokes do pop up. On the downside, many of the jokes tread familiar territory, with only the rare original personality or perspective making an appearance. Occasionally there's some very bad material, but, like Idol, that's sometimes why we watch.
Talk to your kids about ...
Families can talk about humor. What makes a joke funny? What purpose do comedians serve in our culture? Aside from jokes, what makes a comedian funny? Why are race, sex, homosexuality, and body size common topics in comedy?
TV details
- Premiere date: June 10, 2003
- Network: NBC
- Genre: Reality TV
- TV rating: TV-14
- Last updated: September 20, 2019
Our editors recommend
For kids who love reality TV
Top advice and articles
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
Streaming options powered by JustWatch