Common Sense Note

Parents need to know that there have been several incarnations of this show, including some "lost episodes" that were aired in 2003 under the title Ren & Stimpy: Adult Party Cartoon. Although the original series (which still airs in syndication and is available on DVD) is tamer than that version and was definitely marketed toward grade-schoolers and tweens, between the frequent implications that the main characters are gay and their constant abuse of each other, it's really a much better fit for older tweens and teens. What's more, the show -- which first aired in 1991 -- was ground-breaking in its willingness to disregard social conventions by depicting bodily functions and adding a significant amount of gore to its cartoon violence. The episodes that air on Nicktoons usually offer a somewhat watered-down version, but they still aren't meant for kids.

Sexual Content

There's often heavy sexual content for a cartoon that, in theory anyway, is meant for kids. There's also a suggestion of a homosexual relationship between the title characters (particularly in the episodes on DVD).

Violence

Heavy cartoon violence, with more malice than you'll find in most 'toons. When Ren slaps Stimpy (as he does often), the sense of fun found even when Tom is trying to eat Jerry is absent.

Language

Not applicable

Social Behavior

There's some South Park-esque lampooning of commercialism and narrow-mindedness, but for the most part, the characters just come across as mean. Lots of humor involving bodily functions (which are presented pretty graphically, for a cartoon).

Consumerism

Not applicable

Drugs / Tobacco / Alcohol

Some episodes include humor based on the affects of drugs and alcohol.