Common Sense Media Review
By Kari Croop
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Cheeky puppet's bad behavior is a parent's nightmare.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 17+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
What's the Story?
In his own words, WARREN THE APE (voiced by series creator Dan Milano) used to be a "big star," a famous puppet who had it all. But he squandered it with sex, drugs, and alcohol, and now he's desperate for a comeback -- and a paycheck. Setting out on a reluctant journey to cleaner living, Warren recruits the services of real-life celebrity rehab specialist Dr. Drew Pinsky, who steers him toward the appropriate self-help groups. Meanwhile, Warren's assistant (Josh Sussman) carts him around the city to auditions and appointments with his talent agent (Susan Berger).
Is It Any Good?
Fans of the short-lived adult puppet comedy Greg the Bunny -- which aired on Fox in 2002 -- will know exactly who Warren is. (In fact, they'd be able to tell you that his full name is Warren "The Ape" Demontague and that he's a veteran stage actor who's often forced to play second banana to much cuter characters.) But others might not see the humor in his penchant for potty talk, porn, and odd headgear (is it a swimming cap or part of a wrestling uniform?) -- particularly because he's a puppet. And puppets aren't supposed to say "f--k."
For adults who get the show's sharp satire of fame and celebrity, however, Warren the Ape dishes up some devilish laughs, along with celebrity cameos from the likes of Seth Green and Sarah Silverman. As for his puppet co-stars, Warren's ongoing rivalry with Snuggle Bear lookalike Chauncey the Bear is also ripe with comedic possibilities -- but it would be even better if Greg's Sesame Street-inspired Count Blah swooped in for a visit.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about satire and how it works as a comic tool. What types of shows is this series making fun of? Do the writers and performers ever take the joke too far?
What messages is the show sending about drug and alcohol abuse? What about sex addiction? Is it meant to be a show with a "message"? How can you tell?
What is the show saying about fame and celebrity? Did Warren cause his own problems, or were they brought about by overexposure in the media? Is it possible to leverage fame for positive purposes?
TV Details
- Premiere date : June 14, 2010
- Cast : Dan Milano , Josh Sussman , Susan Berger
- Network : MTV
- Genre : Comedy
- TV rating :
- Last updated : October 25, 2022
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