Common Sense Media Review
By Joly Herman
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Variety show cast claws for cheap laughs.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 10+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 7 parent reviews
Based on 25 kid reviews
Kids say this show is a hilarious and fun experience for a wide age range, often evoking nostalgia for those who grew up watching it. However, some reviewers express concerns over certain slapstick violence and age appropriateness, indicating it may not be suitable for very young viewers despite its entertaining sketches and humor.
- funny humor
- age appropriateness
- nostalgic experience
- mild violence
- skits variety
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
Amanda Bynes (who also stars in What I Like About You) headlines her own comedy variety show composed of skits like "Judge Trudy," a skewering caricature of the infamously sharp Judge Judy of daytime TV; "Moody's Point," a parody of teen dramas like Dawson's Creek; and various commercial spoofs.
Is It Any Good?
Violence has a deeply rooted history in slapstick comedy -- The Three Stooges made it into an art form back in the 1940s. But for young viewers, violence like that found in THE AMANDA SHOW is disturbing precisely because it is the point of the skit, rather than a side note. This is certainly not a show to relax with, as it is so chaotic and loud that the effect is unsettling.
Some questions that are raised here have to do with desperation and parody. There is a sense in the show that nothing is sacred and nobody is safe from being ridiculed or being subjected to play violence. For adults this may be appropriate, but for young audiences, it's hard to know what is acceptable and what is off-color. What will people do for a laugh? What do we gain or lose when people are made fun of or hurt for laughter's sake? Is extreme anger funny or scary? How does it feel to watch family members yell and scream, even when it is supposed to be funny? The Amanda Show treats these issues as non-issues, which is exactly why parents should take the time to view this show with their kids.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the difference between being funny and being crude. Can a joke be successful without disrespecting the participants? Does hitting someone in the head with a computer console make for good laughs? How does it feel when someone makes fun of another person's accent or cultural background?
TV Details
- Premiere date : October 16, 1999
- Cast : Adam Brody , Amanda Bynes , Drake Bell , Raquel Lee
- Network : Nickelodeon
- Genre : Variety Show
- TV rating :
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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