Parents' Guide to

That Damn Michael Che

By Mandie Caroll, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 16+

Intriguing sketch comedy show with mature, topical humor.

TV Max Comedy 2021
That Damn Michael Che Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this TV show.

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What's the Story?

Comedy sketch show THAT DAMN MICHAEL CHE has six short episodes of satirical skits, faux commercials, and personal commentary from Michael Che. Guest stars including Cecily Strong, Colin Jost, Omari Hardwick, Godfrey, Billy Porter, and Method Man populate the sketches. Each episode covers a main theme and several related topics (for example, the episode on love and relationships is also about toxic masculinity). Che, alone on screen, shares thoughts and experiences related to the episode's focus before and between sketches. Some sketches cover semi-autobiographical elements, including how Che's brother became a cop and the oppressive sexism of his childhood that made it hard for him to connect meaningfully with women. Others offer up social commentary on issues like performative White allyship, inequities in healthcare, and police killings of unarmed Black people. The show grapples with big issues but also has a lighter thread in which the viewer looks on as Che reckons with his semi-famous status.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: Not yet rated
Kids say: Not yet rated

This intriguing show is less laugh-out-loud comedy, more laugh-through-tears satire, and it can be an uneven ride. With caustic humor and an intelligent eye, That Damn Michael Che explores modern American issues through Che's particular Black, male, straight American perspective. The six episodes borrow structure from Che's day job, Saturday Night Live (sketches, faux commercials), but his sharing personal reflections and stories give the show a surprising and welcome intimacy. Some of the not-to-be-missed sketches include the parody commercial for the "Protest" FitBit, with an "ally alert" that reminds White people to apologize to a person of color, and the "Quick and Easy Things You Can Do to Not Get Shot by Police" PSA.

Sadly, some sketches fall flat, as in the one about a guy who masturbates after his pretty nurse leaves the exam room. Later, she shows friends a picture she'd snapped during the exam, of him, fully nude, and they laugh about his "shrimp dick." "Men can be sexist jerks, but women aren't much better" is not profound social commentary. This and other "yes, but" scenarios don't inspire viewers to critically examine the issue at hand. While the show can be inconsistent, there's certainly enough good stuff here to keep viewers thinking and entertained.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the various social themes covered in That Damn Michael Che (healthcare disparities, toxic masculinity, white guilt/performativity, etc.). How effective is Che's use of comedy to explore contemporary concerns? Which sketches did you find thought-provoking, and which fell flat for you?

  • Talk about stereotypes in this show ("woke" White people, perpetually horny straight guys, etc.). What do the sketches and commentary say about them? Does the show reinforce or challenge those stereotypes? How?

  • What other comedy shows or comedians does this show make you think about? How does this series compare to other sketch comedy shows you've seen?

TV Details

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