The Ben Show with Ben Hoffman
By Melissa Camacho,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Crass comedy crosses lots of lines with stereotypes, curses.
A Lot or a Little?
What you will—and won't—find in this TV show.
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What's the Story?
THE BEN SHOW WITH BEN HOFFMAN stars none other than comedian Ben Hoffman in a variety of skits and interacting with everyday folks on the street. Each week Hoffman sets a goal for himself, like buying a gun or starting a band, and talks to a variety of family, friends, professionals, and random strangers who can help him achieve it or offer advice. In between these conversations appear an array of comedy sketches including live-action pranks, rap songs, and animated sequences. Adding to the fray are conversations with celebs like Todd Bridges, and members of bands like Guns & Roses.
Is It Any Good?
The Ben Show contains some humorous moments as Hoffman talks to friends, family, and even his own therapist in an attempt to answer questions he has about life. However, much of the show is broken up into seemingly random sketches about bad drug experiences, fat jokes, and even compilations of weird news footage. While this helps the comedian demonstrate his range, sometimes the sidelines distract from some funny narrative.
Hoffman's deadpan humor is appealing, and some of the interviews contain very funny unplanned moments. But other parts of the show are more startlingly offensive than they are funny or edgy, thanks to his continual attempts to make fun of people (both dead and alive) at their expense. The result is an unbalanced and sometimes disturbing experience that some folks will find hard to laugh at.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about humor. Why do some people find specific things and/or styles of comedy funny, while others don't? What is the difference between edgy or dark humor, and comedy that is just plain offensive? Is it simply a question of taste, or are there are other things that mold our preferences?
What kinds of things do you like for a laugh? Are there specific books? TV shows? Is there a film that makes you laugh every time you watch it?
Is it ever appropriate to rely on stereotypes to get a laugh? Why or why not? Can comedy shows (even offensive ones) be a way of teaching lessons? How?
TV Details
- Premiere date: February 28, 2013
- Cast: Ben Hoffman
- Network: Comedy Central
- Genre: Comedy
- TV rating: TV-14
- Last updated: October 23, 2022
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