Common Sense Note

Parents need to know that The Vicar of Dibley is a popular British sitcom about a boisterous female priest's arrival in a tiny rural village where she's met with varied enthusiasm by the quirky residents. Off-color jokes, talk of "shagging," and "wink wink" allusions to sexuality factor heavily into the humor, and you'll hear body references like "bosom," "knockers," and "anus" as well. Expect some comical stereotyping at the expense of conservative British values and small-town characters (an implied "village idiot" or two among them). Ultimately, though, the show's real treasures are found in the characters' relationships and in its commentary on a historic shift in the Church of England's acceptance of women in religious life.

Sexual Content

Sexual references are very tongue-in-cheek; a woman often talks about the fact that her bosoms make her an oddity among other clergy; it's implied that an upstanding man used to look at porn; and an elderly woman is known for displays of nudity. Homosexuality comes up as a fact of life (male priests as a whole are said to be gay), and slang body terms like "knockers," "gonads," and "shagging" are tossed around in mixed company. Some kissing and physical contact between partners, but no nudity.

Violence

Silly pratfalls (a man slides down the side of a thatched roof, for example), but no injuries.

Language

Rarely "ass" and "bastard."

Social Behavior

The series challenges stereotypes about women clergy (in the Church of England specifically, but the argument could serve for any religious branch), a subject that's discussed at length by advocates on both sides of the argument. It also makes light of a predictably dysfunctional small town whose residents alternate between loving and despising each other at the same time, but ultimately their strong relationships shine through. Many of the characters' odd traits (limited intelligence, stuttering, chronic digestion issues and flatulence, and Geraldine's ample size) are cause for laughs.

Consumerism

Not applicable

Drugs / Tobacco / Alcohol

These folks enjoy drinking at social gatherings and with meals, usually to no ill effect.