Parents' Guide to MADtv (2016)

TV CW Comedy 2016
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Common Sense Media Review

Melissa Camacho By Melissa Camacho , based on child development research. How do we rate?

age 14+

Comedy sketch reboot as irreverent as the original.

Parents Need to Know

Why Age 14+?

Any Positive Content?

Parent and Kid Reviews

age 15+

Based on 1 parent review

age 13+

Based on 1 kid review

What's the Story?

The sketch comedy series MADTV, a reboot of the original MADtv series that aired from 1995–2009, features an ensemble cast performing in a range of skits that poke fun at pretty much everything. The series stars comedians Carlie Craig, Michelle Ortiz, Adam Ray, Chelsea Davison, Jeremy D. Howard, Piotr Michael, LynNita Ellis, and Amir K. Also joining the gang are former MADtv stars Ike Barinhotz and Bobby Lee. From parodies of popular films and TV shows to sketches featuring musical performances, the series follows the tradition of creating irreverent humor.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say ( 1 ):
Kids say ( 1 ):

The funny MADtv reboot continues the tradition of sketch comedy that pokes fun, offers some limited social commentary, and is just plain silly. Like its predecessor, it also contains a fair share of stereotypes, ranging from over-the-top caricatures to comments about different races and ethnicities intended to be funny.

While the new cast adds some freshness to the series, appearances by the original show's alumni anchor many of their performances. Their presence also adds some nostalgia to the show. Fans of the original show will find it funny, but its irreverent humor isn't for everyone.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about reviving past films and TV shows. Why are they rebooted? Is it because of their former popularity? A lack of new material? What kinds of changes do reboots include to make them entertaining for a new generation of viewers?

  • Why are stereotypes often used in comedies? Is it possible to be funny without relying on them for laughs?

TV Details

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