Parents' Guide to

MAD

By Will Wade, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 12+

Sometimes crude animated satire is sure to appeal to boys.

TV Cartoon Network Comedy 2010
MAD 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 12+

Based on 35 parent reviews

Maxlukow
Maxlukow Adult
July 23, 2021
age 10+

I think it’s fine for 10+

This title has:

Too much violence
Too much sex
Too much swearing
Too much consumerism
Too much drinking/drugs/smoking
Ashley R.
Ashley R. Adult
September 22, 2020
age 10+
ive somewhat used to watch this with my sister at least some of the episodes its alright but at the same time some of the stuff being made fun of was ok and some of it not
See all 35 parent reviews

What's the Story?

For decades, MAD magazine has set itself as an arbiter of pop culture impact; a TV show or movie isn't a certifiable hit if it hasn't been spoofed in the venerable comic's pages. The animated MAD series brings the magazine's classic send-ups from the pages to the screen, complete with crudely twisted titles (Avaturd), lowbrow potty humor, and nonstop quips. If there's a cheap laugh to be had at someone's expense, MAD will take it. The fast-and-furious comedy is clever, but it also aims low, with plenty of vulgar one-liners and a heavy focus on bodily functions.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (35):
Kids say (224):

MAD magazine has perfected its unique form of satire over the years: The jokes come so quickly that you hardly have time to notice that they're both outrageously unsubtle and amazingly witty. Just because the target audience seems to be tween/teen boys, there's no reason for the humor to be completely simplistic. The magazine, and the show, clearly have a finger on the pulse of the entertainment world, and, now, decades after its debut, MAD is still able to spot -- and tweak -- the "big moment" in popular culture.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about parody. Do you find the MAD-style spoofs funny? How do they compare to other satires?

  • Why do some people find bodily humor jokes funny while others think they're gross? How does humor "work"?

  • What does it indicate when a show or movie gets the MAD treatment?

TV Details

  • Premiere date: September 6, 2010
  • Network: Cartoon Network
  • Genre: Comedy
  • TV rating: NR
  • Last updated: September 20, 2019

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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