Common Sense Media Review
By Robert Yaniz Jr.
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Comedy improv pod with lots of silly fun; some potty humor.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 6+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Listen
Parent and Kid Reviews
What’s It About?
DON'T BREAK THE RULES features four different voice actors in each episode who compete using their improv comedy skills. Host Carly Ciarrocchi assigns them each a character suggested by kids -- examples include the biggest turkey ever, a farting dragon, and a warty witch. Contestants need to improvise details such as the character's voice, name, personality and catchphrase. The rules include remaining in character, building upon whatever story the other contestants suggest, and avoiding the mysterious gotcha word (a kid-selected word the contestants don't know and are disqualified if they say). Each round includes different activities that ultimately leave one contestant left to select a sound explosion that punctuates the end of the improv round and episode. There are also "You Play!" episodes that allow kids and their friends or families be part of the improv fun and start their own game.
Is It Any Good?
Don't Break the Rules is an improv comedy game show that just might be the inspiration some kids need to follow their creative interests. In every episode, the four contestants demonstrate how fun and unpredictable it can be when you engage your imagination without getting caught up in overthinking. Moreover, because the voice actors who compete take their suggestions from kids, it subtly empowers young listeners. Before they even listen, they're already connected in some small way to the show. And the results are hilarious, over-the-top characters and storylines.
For older listeners, Don't Break the Rules allows a chance to hear professional voice actors give in to their childlike ability to play pretend. The offbeat prompts for each challenge – such as continuing a never-ending story, creating a spontaneous nursery rhyme, and hitting a wild high note in song – ensure no two episodes are the same. While many kids podcasts focus on teaching lessons or educating young listeners, Don't Break the Rules touches on another, equally important goal: stoking their creativity and love for silliness and laughter. And it does so in a warm, inventive way, appropriate for all ages.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about whether they would be able to think on their feet like the contestants on Don't Break the Rules. Activity idea: Families can listen to "You Play!" episodes together and try improv out together! What did you like about it? What was challenging?
Don't Break the Rules regularly includes potty humor, particularly references to farts. Is this kind of comedy necessary to appeal to kids? Why, or why not?
The podcast emphasizes how playing by the rules can be fun. Why do you think there are rules for games? Why does sticking to the rules make playing games more fun? What would happen if rules didn't exist?
This show highlights the teamwork as a key part of improv comedy and playing games. Why is this an important character strength?
Podcast Details
- Release date: September 23, 2020
- Genre: Comedy
- Average Run Time: 20 minutes
- Website: https://pinna.fm/library/kids-shows/pinna-podcasts/dont-break-the-rules
- Host: Carly Ciarrocchi
- Production Company and Network: Pinna
- Pricing structure: Paid, Free (Some episodes are available for free. Access to all episodes requires a subscription of $3.99/mo or $29.99/yr.)
- Character Strengths: Teamwork
- Last updated: August 23, 2024
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