Common Sense Media Review
By Elka Karl
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Quirky comedy about hipsters is mild but meant for adults.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Portlandia
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 5 parent reviews
Based on 17 kid reviews
Kids say that the show is generally funny with a quirky, often edgy sense of humor, but many reviews caution about its adult themes. While some appreciate it as a smart comedy aimed at older teens and adults, others feel that it may not be suitable for younger children due to occasional strong language and sexual references.
- funny humor
- edgy themes
- adult content
- age recommendations
- unique quirks
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
This new six-part IFC comedy series, featuring Carrie Brownstein (singer/guitarist from Sleater-Kinney) and Fred Armisen (Saturday Night Live), pokes fun at Portland, Oregon's various subcultures and tendencies. Brownstein and Armisen present characters including feminist book store workers, bird-decorating home designers, organic farmers, hide-and-seek game league members, and punk rockers, among others. Much of the original music is written and performed by the pair. Series' guests include Kyle MacLachlan, Aubrey Plaza, Heather Graham, Gus Van Sant, Aimee Mann, and Selma Blair. The series is entirely shot on location in Portland, OR.
Is It Any Good?
This series is very, very funny if you're one of the audience members who can appreciate its context. Prerequisites for understanding and enjoying the finer points of its skits include some knowledge of Portland (or the idea of Portland), feminist bookstores, organic small farms, tech geekery, and hyperliteracy. That said, many parents in their 30s and 40s qualify nicely for enjoying the references to Tucker Max, free range organic heritage chicken, and iPad overuse. And while kids may not get it, they'll likely find some of the visual gags and back-and-forth banter between Brownstein and Armisen funny.
Portlandia, which is shot entirely in and around Portland, is spot-on in its portrayal of cool, progressive cities that perhaps take themselves a bit too seriously. While the subcultures portrayed in the skits are definitely used as the butt of the jokes, these jokes are usually rather gentle. You can tell that Armisen and Brownstein appreciate Portland and its inhabitants, from the transgender feminists to the agro, self-righteous bicyclists to the coffee shop slackers. While the show may be limiting its audience given its specific setting, those that do get Portlandia will find it absolutely hilarious.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the characters in Portlandia. Why do Fred Armisen and Carrie Brownstein make fun of their characters? Why is it funny? Do you think it is mean? Why or why not? Have you met people similar to those they portray?
Families can talk about context. Do you know anything about the city of Portland, Oregon? Do you think you would appreciate the show more if you lived in Portland? Is it necessary to know something about the types of people that are being portrayed in the series, such as punk rockers, to appreciate the humor?
Do you find it funny when actor Fred Armisen dresses as a woman? Why do you think dressing in drag is funny? Do you think he is making fun of women or just playing a character?
TV Details
- Premiere date : January 21, 2011
- Cast : Carrie Brownstein , Fred Armisen , Kyle MacLachlan , Steve Buscemi
- Network : IFC
- Genre : Comedy
- TV rating :
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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