Common Sense Media Review
By Emily Ashby
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Puppet teens serve up fast food and crass humor.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 10+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 8 parent reviews
Based on 35 kid reviews
Kids say this show, aimed more at teens and older children, features eccentric humor and surreal, often grotesque situations, which many found hilarious while others deemed disturbing and inappropriate for younger viewers. Reactions are mixed, with some appreciating its quirky style and humor, while others express discomfort over its creepy puppetry and content that they feel could lead to nightmares.
- targeted audience
- mixed reactions
- inappropriate content
- disturbing imagery
- surreal humor
- quirky style
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
During their down time behind the counter at Mr. Meaty -- a highly successful food chain trying to break into the world market -- friends Josh Redgrove (voiced by Jamie Shannon) and Parker Dinkelman (Jason Hopley) toss around ideas for their intended sci-fi horror flick Ninja Zombies, toward which they're saving their meager burger-slinging earnings. But while socially stunted Parker pins all his hopes on this one lofty life goal, newly cool Josh splits his energy between movie planning and girl pursuing, which has become a more fulfilling pastime since he took a liking to a chalky-skinned gal he calls Goth Girl (Ali Eisner).
Is It Any Good?
MR. MEATY (which was spun out of a series of shorts) is a unique addition to Nickelodeon's line-up that will appeal to the pubescent crowd because of its extreme -- and often sarcastic -- characterizations of teenage life. From geeks to goddesses -- and everything in between -- you'll find them all in this offbeat series, and viewers who can take the crass humor and sassy attitudes in stride will enjoy the show's funny take on this often challenging (but never dull) stage of life.
That said, this isn't one for the kiddie set, both because of its propensity for gross humor and because its themes are all about teenagerhood. And then there's the fact that the characters are constantly surrounded by (and eating) so much fast food -- savvier viewers may pick up on the intended satire, but younger kids could easily walk away with the idea that it's OK to eat all the junk you want.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about cliques and popularity. What does it mean to be one of the "cool" kids? Who defines popularity? How do people cross from one group to another? Which characters are attempting to make that kind of switch? Why? Families can also discuss setting goals and working toward them. Why is it important to have a manageable goal in life? How can friends and family help (or hurt) your efforts?
TV Details
- Premiere date : December 30, 2005
- Cast : Ali Eisner , Jamie Shannon , Jason Hopley
- Network : Nickelodeon
- Genre : Comedy
- Topics : Friendship
- TV rating :
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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