Parents' Guide to The Tony Rock Project

The younger Rock proves that he's a funny entertainer when he's spoofing celebrities like
Prince and interacting with regular people on the street. Thanks to his talent, a few of the skits actually do a good job of highlighting people's preconceptions and prejudices, especially when it comes to race and ethnicity. But despite these funny -- and sometimes insightful -- moments, the series' overall weak writing makes the rest of the show seem silly and overworked. The interactions between the co-hosts seem forced, especially when Cummings tries to keep up with Rock's quick wit. Meanwhile, some hidden-camera segments are silly and a little mean-spirited, serving no purpose other than to get a cheap laugh.

While the show doesn't cross too many lines (perhaps because it's on network television instead of cable), some of the generalizations about different cultures could offend some viewers. The language and drug/alcohol references are also a bit strong. Bottom line? It's not an ideal choice for tweens, and some young teens may not be able to handle it either. But mature viewers may appreciate Rock's humor, as well as the unique brand of social commentary he's offering here.