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Parents' Guide to

Lopez Tonight

By Melissa Camacho, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 14+

Host makes late-night history ... but in a crude fashion.

TV TBS Comedy 2009
Lopez Tonight Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

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

Community Reviews

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age 11+

Based on 3 parent reviews

realitycheck69
realitycheck69 Parent of 10-year-old
February 3, 2010
age 16+

Caution... Lopez Tonight, a show for adults with an open mind!

Lopez Tonight IS a show for adults, no doubt about it! I Love it, although I can understand the shock everyone is experiencing and the fact that many non-hispanics don't understand many of his jokes. It's also quite difficult to view it with an open mind, when most of America is used to the same format over and over again. Yes, Leno, Letterman and the rest are funny, but they follow the same rules. It get's boring after a while! It might also be true that his humor is not for everyone, but this is what he has been doing for years in his standup and the reason that we love him. I am a First generation American born Mexican who grew up in a very White community. It was difficult growing up to identify with anything or anyone in the media. My family did not fit into the Brady Bunch or Happy Days Models. So, for me the Lopez Tonight show gives me a feeling of "Wow, someone else understands where I am coming from!" Some one once said, that making fun of the stereotypes of our own culture gives us power. We know many people who don't fit the stereotype, but we also know that one person who does, and that is what makes it funny!
Mrs Prince
Mrs Prince Parent of 12, 14, 15 and 17-year-old
December 29, 2009
age 16+
I luv this show!!!!
See all 3 parent reviews

What's the Story?

Hosted by actor/comedian George Lopez, alk/variety/comedy show LOPEZ TONIGHT earns the distinction of being the first American late-night show to be hosted by a Latino performer. The series serves up a glitzy, party-like atmosphere highlighted by female dancers and music performed by the show's in-house band. Lopez delivers his trademark edgy humor during his opening monologues and throughout various comedy segments that incorporate street interviews and audience participation; celebrity interviews and live musical sets round out each episode.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (3 ):
Kids say (2 ):

LOPEZ TONIGHT offers all of the traditional trappings of late-night entertainment but also attempts to offer messages about diversity, unity, and change inspired by Lopez's Chicano heritage. The comedian pays homage to multiculturalism by frequently referring to family-inspired racial/ethnic jokes and relying on crude cultural stereotypes (including jokes about the size of Asian genitalia and the racist nature of "white people") for laughs.

Lopez's place in the late-night roster is certainly groundbreaking and may even be inspiring for some. But his overuse of racial/ethnic humor leads to more cheap laughs than empowered moments. And sometimes he just isn't very funny. As a result, he seems to be undermining the very messages about change and cultural unity that he's trying to promote.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about how the media represents different races and ethnicities. Do you think that someone from a specific racial/ethnic background automatically represents his/her community? Should that person automatically consider her/himself a role model for that community?

  • What exactly does "reclaiming" a stereotype mean? Do you think using stereotypes is ever necessary and/or appropriate to make a point?

TV Details

  • Premiere date: November 9, 2009
  • Cast: George Lopez
  • Network: TBS
  • Genre: Comedy
  • TV rating: TV-14
  • Last updated: February 24, 2022

Did we miss something on diversity?

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

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