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Parents' Guide to

The Benson Interruption

By S. Jhoanna Robledo, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 16+

Live comedy clips with sex jokes, language, fall flat.

TV Comedy Central Comedy 2010
The Benson Interruption 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?

Comic Doug Benson used to watch his friends' stand-up routines, muttering his humorous asides to himself during the sets. Soon he realized that routine might work on stage. And so THE BENSON INTERRUPTION was born, with Benson sitting in his big, comfy armchair onstage right next to the comedian pals he has invited to perform. As they tell jokes, he interrupts whenever he sees fit, with an eye toward improving his friends' material. (That's the idea, anyway.) It's a unique pairing of prepared bits and improv.

Is It Any Good?

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

On paper, The Benson Interruption is a fun idea. Why not riff on someone else's comedy act the way that audiences in comedy clubs likely long to do? Still, the novelty doesn't make this show entertaining. To be blunt: It's different, but it's not funny. It's not totally Benson's fault. His comedic guests deliver standard stand-up fare, but it's rarely all that witty. Benson does what he can with the material, but the truth is, he doesn't seem all that hilarious either.

Considering that the show is comprised of clips from live performances, this must be the best of the footage they collected. How bad were the jokes that ended up on the editing room floor? If this is the best they can cull, Benson's future is, well, interrupted.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about stand-up comedy. What makes it challenging? Funny? Is this an innovative idea for a show? Do you think it works?

  • Do you think this show is funny? What kind of material are the comedians basing their jokes on? Do they ever rely on stereotypes? If so, why?

  • What's the difference between using prepared material and improvising jokes on the spot? Which do you think is more difficult?

TV Details

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Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

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