Parents' Guide to

Tim & Eric's Bedtime Stories

By Emily Ashby, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 14+

Comic duo's horror parody is dark, unpredictable, and weird.

TV Cartoon Network Drama 2013
Tim & Eric's Bedtime Stories Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

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

Community Reviews

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age 16+

Based on 1 parent review

orchidflame
orchidflame Parent of 10 and 14-year-old
October 10, 2014
age 16+

Strange tales maybe too strange for some viewers

I watch this show weekly. They're pretty decent for the 17+ age group. Some of the content is very iffy, in my view for my younger teen, though. Things that are not so visible, are very much suggested, in these strange tales.

This title has:

Too much violence
Too much sex
Too much drinking/drugs/smoking
See all 1 parent review

What's the Story?

Purveyors of comic oddities Tim Heidecker and Eric Wareheim return to TV in TIM & ERIC'S BEDTIME STORIES, a collection of contrived nightmares set within the norms of everyday life. Populated by everyone from disgruntled neighbors to cannibalistic family doctors, these stories suggest there's more to suburbia than meets the eye. The vignettes are styled after The Twilight Zone and feature the duo's characteristic deadpan delivery as well as accomplished guest stars such as Bob Odenkirk and M. Emmet Walsh.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (1 ):
Kids say (1 ):

Tim and Eric's unique style is an acquired taste, and not everyone will be sold on it. This is true in their focused comedy work as well as in this new hybrid of humor and horror, which intentionally keeps viewers unsettled and often vacillates between mildly disturbing concepts and more in-your-face violence.

In other words, much as in their previous series, you never really know what you're in for when you watch Bedtime Stories. It could be merely a parody of neighborhood life with a dark side, or it could be an all-out nightmare come true. If theirs is a style that tickles your fancy, though, you won't be disappointed in this new stretch of their talents.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about whether or not this show works for its intended audience. Is it scary, if only in parts? Is it trying to frighten viewers in the traditional sense?

  • How has the Internet changed how celebrity status is earned? Does its accessibility open new doors for average wannabes? What is the potential downside of this kind of insta-fame?

  • Teens: Have you seen this pair's other works? How does this effort compare? Do you like their style? Why, or why not?

TV Details

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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.

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