 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Fred: The Show
- Nickelodeon
- Genre: Comedy
Common Sense Media says
More of the same absurdity from obnoxious YouTube star.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that Fred: The Show limits kids' exposure to Fred's obnoxious behavior and ridiculous antics to a 30-minute timeframe, but it does nothing to pare down the trouble spots that continue to plague the show's star. In short, there's nothing realistic about Fred, who throws tantrums when he doesn't get his way and whose whining tirades are meant for laughs rather than subjected to any kind of normal response from teens and adults alike. Expect a fair amount of stand-in cursing (like "gammit" and "hackin'") in place of their sound-alike curse words, and a severe lack of interest in his well-being from Fred's incompetent mom. The bottom line? Older tweens can reconcile the iffy behavior in this show, but you're not likely to want any of your kids acting -- or sounding -- like Fred.
What's the story?
FRED: THE SHOW chronicles the social woes and daily mishaps of Fred Figglehorn (Lucas Cruikshank), a hyperactive teen with a penchant for tantrums and a flair for the dramatic. The show is a continuation of the character created by Cruikshank and made famous in YouTube videos and two TV movies. Each 30-minute episode centers on Fred's most recent disaster at home or at school, often involving his social nemesis, Kevin (Jake Weary), or his batty mom (Siobhan Fallon Hogan). His best friend, Bertha (Daniella Monet), usually gets dragged into Fred's messes as well.
Is it any good?
Fred keeps young fans in stitches with his bizarre, off-the-wall personality and clear disregard for reality. For kids, the journey into Fred's life is a departure from their own, which, in itself, isn't a bad thing. Trouble arises when he crosses the line between silly frivolity and over-the-top obnoxious behavior, and that's just what happens from the moment Fred: The Show starts. Everything about his character will grate on parents' nerves, from his whiny voice to his extreme disrespect for his mom (and hers for him).
There's no denying that Cruikshank has talent. Anyone who can recycle the same ridiculous material into two movies and a TV show is born to be an actor. But it's shocking that a series aimed at kids would forego the chance to include at least a few positive messages in its content. Fred: The Show is the antithesis of responsible entertainment, touching on timely issues like bullying -- both in the traditional sense and the more modern cyber version -- and peer pressure, and using them as humor points rather than exploring them in a relatable sense. Pseudo-cursing, a contrived home situation, and general absurdity make this a less-than-great choice for kids' attention, not to mention the fact that the star is just plain irritating. The good news? At 30 minutes long, these episodes minimize your kids' (and your) exposure to the nonsense far better than the earlier movies did.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about Fred's staying power. Why do you think this character continues to be successful? Do you find his antics funny? Do you think any of his material is harmful to kids? How did the Internet contribute to this character's success?
Kids: What messages does this show send about friendship, family relations, and responsibility? Is any aspect of Fred's life realistic? How would your friends' and family's reactions to similar behavior be different from those in Fred's life? Does he set any sort of example for kids?
What are your favorite kinds of shows? How do the characters and situations in those compare to the ones in Fred? What, if anything, have you learned from the shows you watch? Is there any content in them that you think is inappropriate for someone your age?
- Show:
- All members
- Parents
- Teens & kids
AGE
Sigh.....Fred will always be Fred
Forget how innapropriate and distorted it is. The main problem with this show is not just the implied language and romance subplots, or even the bad role models. The main problem is that Fred is just SO DANG ANNOYING!!!! His voice makes people want to claw off their ears, and he always acts like he just drank 5 double expressos, he's so hyper! This show is not only innapropriate, it's a complete waste of time, just like the movie and Youtube videos.
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Kid, 12 years old
February 23, 2012
AGE
Why would you even watch this show??
Nickelodeon has really run out of ideas when they have to go as low as to give Fred a T.V show. Listen, I have nothing against Fred himself, but I mean c'mon people!! This is just another cliche T.V show with absolutely no substance. Fred is very wimpy and dependent on other people instead of tackling problems with reasonable helpful solutions. He gets no support what so ever from his mother who is basically either asleep or out for most of the episode. She basically abandons her son every single episode.
It is a sad day for everyone when Fred gets a T.V. show.
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AGE
ijohugytf
parents and kids are saying that language is terrible in this show... It's not all he says it "Oh My GAMMIT! & Hackin Awesome!" not cusing.... seriously... take a chill pill.... It's Funny! It's bettr than other Nickoleodeon shows... and It's not Violent.... it would be different if he said "Oh My Da--it! or Fu--in awesome!" but its not what he says??? it not inaproprite
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Kid, 12 years old
March 14, 2012
AGE
Calm down!
Seriously! Calm down everyone. It's not inappropriate, and REALLY there are NO swears at all. To tell the truth, I enjoy this show. It's funny, and kinda cute. Violence and cursing aren't issues, and my little 8 yr old bro isn't throwing tantrums like Fred. Honestly, I think parents of kids over 9 are WAY too overprotective if they find Fred inappropriate.
There is only occasional flirting, no bad language, and I would pick Fred over iCarly, which is now completely "romance oriented". And of course it's annoying. It's a kid's show. If you want a kid's show that isn't "annoying", then one DOESN'T exist.
Fred doesn't have a moral. But you should expect that. After the age of eight, all kids groan when a moral is put in. A moral in a TV show is, as a nine-yr-old might put it, "ruins it". If you don't wrap a moral into it, it's not the end of the world for this age group.
I watch Fred with my little sibling and it brings us together(which not many things can do) and gives us something to talk about. It's also funny.
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AGE
so bad, i had ACTUAL pain... not just not for kids, not for anybody!
wish i could give this negative stars. who would watch this show? it was so bad, i could feel actual pain. I think me eardrums are burst? i wanted to see one episode to just see what it was like but, when he started singing i think i went death. something inside of me died! i mean he was annoying as all get out on youtube, but this is just rediculous, come on nickolodean, you really can do better then some stupid little teen on a show with no point. Id actually rather watch barney. kills me thinking that nick cannon could actualy do this. this is absolutely an all time low for nickolodean. where did iCarly go?
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AGE
Heh.
It's by no means a philosophical, thought-provoking, highly intellectual show full of sophisticated humor, complex subplots, interesting characters, and important life lessons. It's stupid and bizarre. On the other hand, the sheer strangeness of the whole thing is pretty entertaining and totally harmless. Fred is completely, purely irritating, but somehow fascinating. Since the entire show is from one perspective, it's a little more ambiguous than straightforward sitcoms. Other characters' motives and lives are not explicitly shown. Lots of little character quirks are implied through Fred's oddly mesmerizing monologues about other characters. He doesn't completely understand them, and this presentation brings certain intriguing questions to the surface:
What is going on inside Fred's head?
Why do all the characters hate each other?
Where is Fred's dad?
Is everyone in this neighborhood mentally challenged?
Fred is better than any of Nick's other garbage sitcoms. It is completely, utterly strange and oddly empty. It is both entirely annoying and compelling. It's a trip and for every minute you experience this deranged fantasy, you will be engrossed, either out of disgust or entertainment.
It's just a kids' show. Settle down.
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AGE
Decent show
I've seen a few episodes of this show and it's a decent show. It doesn't really have positive messages or role models, but it's ok and is good for kids 9+ who won't imitate Fred's erratic and unrealistic behavior. Violence: Some slapstick violence, but nobody is hurt. Sex: Some flirting among teens, but nothing farther than that. Language: Some stand-in curses like "gammit" and "hackin'" but no real swearing. Consumerism: Centered around the popular Internet star, Fred, who has merchandise for sale.
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AGE
Annoying
Fred must be the spawn of PeeWee Herman and the back of the movie theater seat!
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AGE
My children will not be watching because of the foul language
We won't be watching and I have since blocked all G rated shows. How disappointing is it that my children can only watch programming intended for kids, if I am in the room and unlock them. Thanks Nickeloden!
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AGE
ugh
I. Hate. Fred.
}:(
dont bother watching it. tv shows like fred rot the mind. soooooo not kidding
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| Topics: | misfits and underdogs |
| TV rating: | TV-G |
| Network: | Nickelodeon |
| Cast: | Daniella Monet, Jake Weary, Lucas Cruikshank |
| Genre: | Comedy |
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