Parents' Guide to

The Break with Michelle Wolf

By Mark Dolan, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 16+

Comedian brings unique voice to edgy weekly news show.

TV Netflix Comedy 2018
The Break with Michelle Wolf Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

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

Community Reviews

See all
age 17+

Based on 2 parent reviews

Yam Gerg
Yam Gerg Adult
July 10, 2018
age 16+

Contra

Michelle Wolf got my attention with her ability to find something ridiculous with just about anything she involves herself with. I admire her candor and her not backing down when she received criticism from some of the most powerful people in USA. The show is rife with great turns of phrases and witticisms. The only people that wouldn't get a chuckle from this show are those that find themselves offended by her no-holds-barred evaluations of society and people. Particularly within the political realm. Afterall, lets face it, the jokes about those people literally write themselves. I chose great messages, because she is willing to discuss the bad things that our own society does. However, as a parent, I wouldn't recommend the show for anyone under 16. I think at 16 they would at least have a handle on the choice words that Michelle Wolf uses quite readily. Trying to claim that a comedian is biased is like saying the sun is unfairly hot.

This title has:

Great messages
Jrsbrnz
Jrsbrnz Adult
July 2, 2018
age 18+

Highly offensive and biased

Dont waste your time.

This title has:

Too much violence
See all 2 parent reviews

What's the Story?

Shifting from stand-up segments to desk segments to couch segments with pre-taped commercial and movie parody bits,THE BREAK WITH MICHELLE WOLF is the definition of a free-form show. Michelle Wolf delivers jokes in her signature voice, with targets ranging from the current political landscape to women's issues to insult comedy.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: (2):
Kids say: Not yet rated

Hot off her incendiary performance at the White House Correspondents' Dinner, Michelle Wolf is the latest voice to enter into the late-night comedy fray. And what a voice it is. Her scratchy, nasal tone may be a challenge for some, but it'll grow on you, and she's smart enough to acknowledge its potentially off-putting qualities early. Her comedic voice manages to be self-deprecating while still being empowering and smart. While the focus on current events may make viewers think of this show in the same thought as Last Week Tonight with John Oliver, or her old Daily Show stomping grounds, it also bears a strong similarity to Inside Amy Schumer and that show's outspoken female star, raunchy stand-up segments, and envelope-pushing feminist humor. Wolf's point of view is unique, and it'll be interesting to see how this original perspective of hers develops as The Break with Michelle Wolf continues.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about comedy and what makes something funny. Is there such a thing as female comedy or male comedy? Why do you think some people look at comedy as something gendered? Do you think The Break with Michelle Wolf is funny?

  • How do you feel about the blend of news and comedy? Are there some things that shouldn't be joked about? Why or why not?

TV Details

  • Premiere date: May 27, 2018
  • Network: Netflix
  • Genre: Comedy
  • TV rating: TV-MA
  • Last updated: February 27, 2022

Did we miss something on diversity?

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.

See all recommended tv lists

Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.

See how we rate