Common Sense Media Review
By Kari Croop
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Shrewd talk show spoof is edgy but hilarious.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 6 parent reviews
Based on 20 kid reviews
Kids say this show provides a humorous and sarcastic take on the news, making politics more understandable for young viewers, provided they grasp the underlying satire. While many find it entertaining and a valuable educational tool, some express caution due to its mature themes, including mild language and sexual innuendo, suggesting it is more suitable for ages 12 and up.
- humor
- satire
- mature themes
- educational
- age-appropriate
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
Launched in 2005 as a comic foil to its parent program, The Daily Show, THE COLBERT REPORT (pronounced "col-BEAR re-PORE") seeks to capitalize on the growing popularity of talking-head political shows that seem to rely more on their hosts' larger-than-life personas than on meaningful news analysis. On the show, Colbert plays, well ... Stephen Colbert, a God-fearing, patriotic American who's not afraid to tangle with the truth. His political leanings are conservative, and he hates the liberal media something awful.
Is It Any Good?
With its shrewd writing and spot-on deliveries of deadpan one-liners, the show is a wickedly smart weenie-roast of politics, ego, and American patriotism gone awry. But Colbert's passionate opinions could be misinterpreted by young viewers who don't get the joke. Uncomfortable with America's increasing diversity? Colbert has a solution: "America should be like a Lunchable, divided into sanitary compartments of like-minded citizens." Tired of feeling your religion is under attack? Take comfort in Colbert's words: "I say there's nothing wrong with having God as a co-pilot, commander in chief, and secretary of defense."
Bottom line? The Colbert Report is a show that could be great for older teens, forcing them to think about current events and the relationship between media and politics. But those who are more interested in the state of their cell phone minutes than the state of the union might not quite be ready to join in the fun.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the ways in which various news talk shows have influenced the way Americans gather information. Are talking-head TV personalities like Chris Matthews, Bill O'Reilly, Sean Hannity, and Keith Olbermann journalists, or merely talk show hosts?
To what extent is the line between journalist and talk show host blurring in the modern media? (For example, could one person's opinion easily be misconstrued as fact?)
Is the mainstream news media truly "liberal"? And if it is, is Fox News truly "fair and balanced," or does it tip the scale toward "conservative"?
Are self-proclaimed "fake news" shows like this one a good substitute for the real thing?
TV Details
- Premiere date : October 17, 2005
- Cast : Stephen Colbert
- Network : Comedy Central
- Genre : Comedy
- TV rating :
- Award : Emmy - Emmy Award Winner
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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