Let's Be Real
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Let's Be Real
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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 Let’s Be Real is an irreverent sketch comedy satire series featuring puppets of prominent political and pop culture figures. It has lots of jokes about sex, including ongoing references to sexual harassment and the size of male genitalia. Porn actress Stormy Daniels appears in one episode. Overall the themes are mature and require a knowledge of current events, and there's strong language (stronger curses are bleeped and mouths are blurred), and references to drinking and smoking.
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What's the Story?
Created by Robert Smigel, LET’S BE REAL is a comedy sketch series featuring life-size puppets of prominent individuals in politics and pop culture. From a televised news conference with New York governor Andrew Cuomo, to conversations with President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, it presents timely satires of contemporary politics. It also offers political and social commentary through parodies of shows like Carpool Karaoke and The Mandalorian. Also making appearances are real-life celebrities, like Jimmy Kimmel, Zooey Deschanel, and Ed Asner.
Is It Any Good?
What began as a political comedy special has now evolved into an unapologetically irreverent series that offers timely, unsparing social commentary. Much like the popular British show Spitting Image, it parodies prominent politicians and contemporary popular culture figures and trends, and often combines the two. It also pokes fun at the way many issues, like political correctness and sexual harassment, are addressed.
Not everyone will find watching a spoof about COVID-19 vaccinations, or a puppet of former U.S. president Donald Trump trying to sell stolen items from the White House on Antiques Roadshow appropriate. But Let’s Be Real isn’t produced to make people feel comfortable. Some viewers may think it crosses the line from smart satire to silly ridicule. Others will find it an amusing way of thinking about, or coming to terms with, the current sociopolitical climate we are living in.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about puppets. Puppetry is an ancient form of theatre that's approximately 3000 years old. How has it been adapted over the years for modern audiences? Is it easier to poke fun of people through puppetry?
Shows like South Park and Let’s Be Real are often accused of crossing the line between satire, which is often designed to deliver a social message, and ridicule for the sake of humor. What do you think? Why?
Our Editors Recommend
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Legendary late-night show funny for teens and up.
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The Simpsons
Clever, fast-paced cartoon with edgy humor.
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The Daily Show with Trevor Noah
Funny, satirical news softer than Stewart, best for teens.
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Last Week Tonight with John Oliver
Funny, smart news-driven talk show with strong language.
For kids who love politics
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