Television Review: Atom TV

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What Parents Should Know
Parents need to know that this series is made up of skits and other short-form content that originally aired on the Web. Although often funny and creative, much of the subject matter is clearly intended for mature audiences. Segments include salty language (with the strongest words bleeped out), fantasy violence (with lots of fake blood and gore), drinking, smoking, and some racial/ethnic humor. There's also plenty of innuendo, including crass references to genitals and discussions about masturbation and other sexual practices. Occasional nudity (bare buttocks) is blurred out.

Families can talk about the relationship between Internet content and television. Why do you think people would want their Web clips to make the move to television? Do you think that everything on the Internet can be "repackaged" the way that this show does it? Do you think the two forms of media will always be separate? Families can also discuss whether it's OK to put iffier content on the Web than on television. Do online content creators incorporate mature content just because they can, or does it really make the show funnier? Is using strong language, inappropriate behavior, and/or racial stereotypes ever really appropriate, even online? Check out our Internet Safety Guide for more information on the issue.

Each episode of ATOM TV collects sketches and various other forms of short-form content that were originally posted online at Atomtv.com and ComedyCentral.com. In any given installment, viewers might see everything from segments of cartoon series to slapstick skits and silly spoofs. Some of the sketches are part of ongoing online series, while others are stand-alone bits. While most of the series' content is similar to what you'll see online, some of the shorts have been repackaged (and re-edited) for smoother television viewing. Many are also chock full of mature content (including references to sex practices, pornography, and more).

Funny and creative, the series introduces TV viewers to some of the innovative work created by independent film companies, comedy troupes, and actors who've turned to the Internet to both create and bring attention to their work. But it's definitely not age-appropriate for tweens or young teens. Yes, the occasional nudity is blurred and the strongest profanity is bleeped, but there's tons of innuendo and some racial/ethnic humor that borders on offensive. But for older teens and adults mature enough to handle it, this series offers some original entertainment.