Common Sense Media Review
By Joyce Slaton
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Comedian hasn't lost edge in smart sketch-comedy series.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Tracey Ullman's Show
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
Sketch comedy is the name of the game in TRACY ULLMAN'S SHOW, starring legendary British comedian Tracey Ullman and her amazing array of characters. For example, in Ullman's created world, Dame Judi Dench is a dangerous psychopath who takes advantage of her status as a "national treasure" to shoplift, sneak into movies, and set a co-star's film trailer on fire; a job candidate tries to impress her interviewers by stressing how successfully she ran a genocide; a German chancellor chooses her pantsuits carefully lest she drive the other politicos wild.
Is It Any Good?
Ullman's quick, sharp takes on celebs and ridiculous situations are lots of fun, though Americans may be laughing while looking up particularly British words and concepts. If you're the type of Anglophile who already knows about "flat whites" and "chip butties," the chortles in Tracey Ullman's Show will be particularly enjoyable, but Ullman's satire is keen enough to entertain the masses.
Skewering politicians and celebs and bringing her unique outlook on the state of things, Ullman doesn't disappoint. She's wonderfully weird -- and funny. And this type of female-centered comedy, specifically anchored in the concerns of a 50-something woman, is rare on television, or anywhere. Americans who primarily know Ullman for introducing The Simpsons should take a second look: There's a clever comic mind at work here.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about satire in shows like Tracey Ullman's Show. What is it? Is satire funnier when you know what's being satirized? Is satire ever unkind? What types of things or people are generally satirized? Why?
Families can also talk about sketch comedy. Why would someone want to use this format rather than a 30-minute sitcom?
TV Details
- Premiere date : October 28, 2016
- Cast : Tracey Ullman
- Network : HBO
- Genre : Comedy
- TV rating :
- Last updated : September 28, 2020
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