Common Sense Media Review
By Kari Croop
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Whip-smart cop comedy is too hot for kids.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
What's the Story?
Filmed using a single-camera technique that mimics the on-the-job immediacy of COPS, improv comedy series RENO 911! follows the antics of the fictional Washoe County Sheriff's Department and the motley crew of officers therein, led by Lt. Jim Dangle (Thomas Lennon), who has a fondness for the shortest of khaki shorts. Rounding out the force are deputies James Garcia (Carlos Alazraqui), Clementine Johnson (Wendi McLendon-Covey), Cheresa Kimball (Mary Birdsong), S. Jones (Cedric Yarbrough), Travis Junior (Ben Garant), Trudy Wiegel (Kerri Kenney-Silver) and Raineesha Williams (Niecy Nash), each of whom have their own idiosyncratic quirks. It's not uncommon for two officers to play a joke on another by slipping a little ether into his gas mask, for example, or for another member of the force to sample the drugs at a crime scene.
Is It Any Good?
Most parents would like their kids to grow up with a healthy respect for both police officers and the law, and that's the problem with this show when it comes to family viewing. It's bad enough that the officers aren't very good at their jobs; even worse, they frequently go out of their way to goof off -- and sometimes even break the law. It's hilarious stuff for grown-up viewers who prefer their satire droll and dark, but it's not meant for kids.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the ways in which police officers and other law enforcement officials are portrayed in the media. Do reality shows like COPS (which served as the model for this shrewd spoof) make you and your family feel safer or more vulnerable to violent crime? Why do those whose mission is to "serve and protect" us often become the butt of derogatory jokes? And has the popularity of shows like CSI enhanced the image of all cops, or just those who wear smart suits and investigate crime scenes?
TV Details
- Premiere date : July 23, 2003
- Cast : Cedric Yarbrough , Niecy Nash , Thomas Lennon
- Network : Comedy Central
- Genre : Comedy
- TV rating :
- Last updated : October 13, 2022
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