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My Name Is Earl

(Rated TV-14, Comedy, Starring Jason Lee, Jaime Pressly, Ethan Suplee, Where to watch: NBC, Syndicated, DVD, Online)

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 14, age appropriate for kids over 99; suggested age 14.

  • Is it any good?

    3.0

  • Common Sense says

    Offbeat, heartfelt comedy, but not for young kids.

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 14–18

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    Earl learns not to judge others. Others forgive him. He also quits smoking and convinces another to as well.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence:

    Some slapstick, unrealistic violence -- punching, gunfire.

  • Sex:

    Kissing, references to infidelity. Some skimpy outfits, couples shown in bed together in various states of undress (nothing at all explicit). Plenty of talk about Joy's breasts.

  • Language:

    Not an issue.

  • Consumerism:

    Fairly mild: "Damn," "hell," "bitch."

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Alcohol, smoking, sometimes portrayed in a negative light. Characters sometimes get drunk. Occasional drug references.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About My Name Is Earl

Parents need to know that this show contains jokes about sexuality, intoxication, lack of education, and religion. The program revels in its political incorrectness, using a one-legged woman and a gay character for quick laughs, but redeems its main character and itself by having him learn a lesson about not judging others.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about forgiveness. Do Earl's good deeds warrant forgiveness from his victims? Although it's clearly a comedy, the show does take the idea of karma and morality seriously. How can these concepts be applied to our everyday actions?
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Our Members Say

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Most Recent Reviews

  1. Kid Reviewer Age 10
    benbrm
    I rate this title iffy for age 7 and give it 5.0
    My concerns are:
    • Inappropriate sexual content
    • Inappropriate language

    • My highlights are:
    • Good role models

    I started watching when i was 7. There is this hooker that is in most episodes and they say some cuss words

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
    Flag as inappropriate
  2. Teen Reviewer Age 15
    JWilliams303
    Lives in Indiana
    I rate this title iffy for age 14 and give it 5.0

    I heard from a lot of people that it was a very funny show, so i tried watching it and it became one of my most favorite tv shows ever. Has some sexual humor in the show and some language, nothing much to worry about. Very good show.

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
    Flag as inappropriate
  3. Teen Reviewer Age 16
    lalaland462
    Lives in Louisiana
    I rate this title on for age 14 and give it 5.0

    I like it

    Best white trash redneck show ever

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
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  4. Kid Reviewer Age 12
    tjstar
    I rate this title on for age 10 and give it 4.0

    I laugh so hard at this!

    This TV show is the best TV show EVER! I love it! I started watching it when I was like 9 or 10 and it is so amazing! Watch it!

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
    Flag as inappropriate
  5. Parent Reviewer
    robibeiss
    Lives in Texas
    I rate this title iffy for age 11 and give it 5.0

    Best Comedy on TV

    Love this show! Characters are insanely funny and premis of Karma is great for bringing a positive tone to a comdey that at times could be considered vulgar. I let my near 11 yr old watch it with me. I am a little less conservative than most parents, but I am ready to explain when things such as gay bars, hookers, and such comes up...although most of the time , he doesn't even ask cuz he doesn't get it. I.E. Hookers he thinks in the first episode- Earl tries to pay a girl to kiss and date the gay guy (because he doesn't understand 'sex' fully). If you are uncomforatble as parent explaining such things then wait till at least closer to 12.

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
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