Common Sense Media Review
By Melissa Camacho
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Lackluster animated series isn't meant for kids.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 17+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
The Life and Times of Tim
What's the Story?
Tim (voiced by Steve Dildarian) is an average New York City guy who lives with his girlfriend Amy (Maryjane Otto) and hangs out with his friend Stu (Nick Kroll). But his life is full of strange, often awkward challenges -- especially when he meets Debbie (Bob Morrow), a prostitute who happens to work on his street. Tim's job at Omnicorp gets a little strange too, thanks to co-workers like Rodney (Matt Johnson) and The Boss (Peter Giles). And while Tim always means well, he has a way of "fixing" tricky situations with bad -- and often offensive -- solutions.
Is It Any Good?
Because this animated sitcom focuses on weird scandals and ridiculous solutions to Tim's problems, there's no real message driving its humor. Although some episodes appear to be pointing toward some kind of meaning, they never really seem to get there. As a result, THE LIFE AND TIMES OF TIM fails to offer any real substance. Even the moments that are mildly funny are overshadowed by content like gratuitous swearing, strong sexual innuendo, racial stereotyping, and references to pedophilia and violence against women. Some adults may like this sort of thing, but it's definitely not for kids.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the show's envelope-pushing humor. Do strong language and/or stereotypes make movies and TV shows funny (or funnier)? Does anything in this show shock you, as well as make you laugh? Why? Are stereotypes ever appropriate? What if they're being used for humor or to make a more serious point? Families can also talk about animated shows. Why are cartoons, which historically have been for young and/or general audiences, increasingly being geared toward older viewers? Why do you think producers would choose to make an animated show over a live-action one?
TV Details
- Premiere date : September 28, 2008
- Cast : Maryjane Otto , Nick Kroll , Steve Dildarian
- Network : HBO
- Genre : Comedy
- TV rating :
- Last updated : September 20, 2019
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