The magicians, Penn and Teller, are very Libertarian in their views and because of this, their political bent is towards smaller government, less intrusive laws and a willingness to attack both Conservatives and Liberals alike. I love this Showtime series--even though occasionally it offends me. That's because 99% of the TV shows out there never think to question much of anything--even though "common knowledge" is often 100% wrong because,...well...people are stupid!
As of this date, the show has five seasons behind it and they have attacked many "sacred cows"--such as asserting that recycling is usually a BAD thing, pornography and nudity is GOOD, being fat isn't much of a health risk and religion is for idiots. While I wouldn't agree with them about their views on religion and a few other things, I love that they actually dare to address the topics and are fully exercising their first amendment rights to free speech. Plus, when I see that they are offending people for whom I have little respect, I can't help but shout "amen"! The style of the show is unique because it is a combination of a documentary, humor and crassness (with a heaping spoonful of obscenities). While I can ignore all the profanity (especially the thousands of "f-words") and I can ignore all the gratuitous nudity (which, after all, fits in with the team's Libertarian bent), I really wish they had toned this down and chosen a different title for the show because I would love to be able to show these episodes to the high school teachers I teach. Unfortunately, because of the show's style, that will never happen--or, I'll show an episode and just wait to be fired! Aside from kids, this show SHOULD be watched by everyone. Sure, it's bound to offend you--but it will also make you think and shock you out of complacency. While in the end you may not be convinced (in a couple episodes, I think their logic wasn't quite correct--though usually they were dead on target), you can't help but think and re-assess what you think and why. It's just too bad that practically NOTHING on TV today does that other than PENN & TELLER: BULLSHIT!.
As of this date, the show has five seasons behind it and they have attacked many "sacred cows"--such as asserting that recycling is usually a BAD thing, pornography and nudity is GOOD, being fat isn't much of a health risk and religion is for idiots. While I wouldn't agree with them about their views on religion and a few other things, I love that they actually dare to address the topics and are fully exercising their first amendment rights to free speech. Plus, when I see that they are offending people for whom I have little respect, I can't help but shout "amen"! The style of the show is unique because it is a combination of a documentary, humor and crassness (with a heaping spoonful of obscenities). While I can ignore all the profanity (especially the thousands of "f-words") and I can ignore all the gratuitous nudity (which, after all, fits in with the team's Libertarian bent), I really wish they had toned this down and chosen a different title for the show because I would love to be able to show these episodes to the high school teachers I teach. Unfortunately, because of the show's style, that will never happen--or, I'll show an episode and just wait to be fired! Aside from kids, this show SHOULD be watched by everyone. Sure, it's bound to offend you--but it will also make you think and shock you out of complacency. While in the end you may not be convinced (in a couple episodes, I think their logic wasn't quite correct--though usually they were dead on target), you can't help but think and re-assess what you think and why. It's just too bad that practically NOTHING on TV today does that other than PENN & TELLER: BULLSHIT!.