Common Sense Media Review
By Melissa Camacho
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Raw sketch comedy values shock over humor. Pass.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 18+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
What's the Story?
A half-hour sketch comedy show created and produced by Damon Wayans, THE UNDERGROUND ("Da Uh!" for short) is reminiscent of the groundbreaking 1990s hit In Living Color -- which was created by Damon's older brother, Keenan Ivory Wayans -- only it's half as long and at least twice as uncensored. Like In Living Color, The Underground intersperses a variety of envelope-pushing comedy skits with clips featuring street music and dance. The ensemble cast includes Aries Spears (MADtv) and Wayans' son, Damon Wayans, Jr. and the sketches range from poking fun at controversial political issues (including the war in Iraq and heightened airport security) to advertisements for genital-sporting pants. Many of the skits rely heavily on stereotyping as a significant source of humor.
Is It Any Good?
Unfortunately, the prevalence of obscene language, nudity, and simulated sex acts (many of them extremely crude) in most sketches makes the show's political satire and social commentary difficult to appreciate. Plus, when it comes right down to it, a lot of the skits just aren't that funny, bad taste or no. As a result, anything positive that the show has to offer, including the celebration of urban culture, is undermined by its attempts to cross the lines of taste and purposely offend people of all walks of life simply because it can. It also makes the show a bad choice for kids.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about using stereotypes as a source of humor. Is it ever appropriate to use stereotypes? Where do you draw the line? Can people empower themselves by "reclaiming a stereotype" and making it their own? Families can also talk about taking humor too far. When does satire or parody become offensive? Urban culture, underground artists, and alternative dance forms can also be discussed.
TV Details
- Premiere date : September 14, 2006
- Cast : Aries Spears , Damon Wayans , Damon Wayans Jr.
- Network : Showtime
- Genre : Comedy
- TV rating :
- Last updated : September 19, 2019
Did we miss something on diversity?
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
Suggest an Update
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate