Common Sense Media Review
Ventriloquist's comedy act is too edgy for younger viewers.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
What's the Story?
In THE JEFF DUNHAM SHOW, comedian/ventriloquist Jeff Dunham brings his stage act to the small screen, accompanied by the diverse cast of puppet sidekicks that form the heart of his humor. Each character has his or her own distinct personality and quirks -- the gang includes crotchety old man Walter, dim-bulb redneck Bubba J., and a skeletal corpse known as Achmed the Dead Terrorist. Every episode of the show combines performance footage filmed in front of live audience with pre-taped skits featuring the comic and his pals in a variety of unusual situations -- Jeff and Walter go to a therapist, Bubba J. goes to a shooting range, etc.
Is It Any Good?
Here's the thing about ventriloquists: Jokes that wouldn't be funny if a traditional comedian told them don't really improve when they come out of the mouth of a puppet. Dunham plays the straight man while his characters frequently spout mildly racist and sexist lines and mediocre one-liners. Watching a teenage boy go on and on about a woman's breasts isn't funny, and the lines aren't any more entertaining when they come from some horn-dog made out of foam.
Dunham isn't even that impressive a ventriloquist; it's easy to see his mouth moving, especially since there aren't any compelling reasons to watch the puppets.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about edgy humor. Could some of Dunham's jokes be seen as offensive? To whom? What part of the show made you laugh the most?
Are jokes based on stereotypes ever appropriate? Why do you think that different groups of people find different things funny?
TV Details
- Premiere date : October 22, 2009
- Cast : Jeff Dunham
- Network : Comedy Central
- Genre : Comedy
- TV rating :
- Last updated : October 21, 2022
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