Michael McIntyre: Showman – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Michael McIntyre: Showman

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

movie2020

67%

WISE Score

Charming British comedian riffs on family life and technology—think observational humor for the carpool lane crowd.

Michael McIntyre: Showman

movie

M, 2020

67%

WISE Score

Charming British comedian riffs on family life and technology—think observational humor for the carpool lane crowd.

Jump to

Also rated on

View →

Where to Watch

Loading streaming options...

Where-to-watch data byJustWatch

Screenwise Verdict

Michael McIntyre: Showman is perfectly pleasant adult comedy that older teens can enjoy alongside parents. It's the comedy equivalent of comfort food—nothing groundbreaking, but warm, relatable, and genuinely funny if you're in the target demographic.

The challenge is it's not really for kids. A 15-year-old might enjoy it, but younger kids will be bored, and it's not designed to teach or inspire anything beyond a good laugh. The WISE score reflects that it's quality entertainment within its lane, but that lane is narrow: parents and older teens who want clean-ish comedy about everyday life.

If you're looking for family movie night content with tweens, skip it. If you want something to watch with your high schooler that won't make either of you cringe, it's a solid pick.

Age Fit

This is really for teens 15+ and adults. Younger kids won't get the references or appreciate the observational style, and some content is age-inappropriate. It's perfect for a Friday night watch with your high schooler or as background while folding laundry.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

McIntyre is known for observational, family-friendly comedy that focuses on relatable everyday experiences—family dynamics, technology mishaps, accents. His style is warm and self-deprecating rather than mean-spirited. However, stand-up can include some adult themes and mild innuendo that make it less universally wholesome for younger kids.

Imaginative

Stand-up comedy requires clever observational skills and wordplay, and McIntyre is known for physical comedy and creative storytelling. The 'confusing himself for a world leader' premise suggests imaginative scenarios. However, it's primarily consumptive entertainment—you watch, laugh, done. It doesn't invite active creative participation or building, which limits the imaginative score.

Safe

Common Sense Media rates it 15+, suggesting some adult language or themes but nothing shocking. McIntyre's brand is generally clean comedy—no graphic content, violence, or sexual material. British stand-up at this level typically includes mild profanity and adult situations but avoids truly edgy or offensive territory. The 'safe' concern is mainly age-appropriateness rather than surprise inappropriate content.

Enriching

Solid entertainment value (7.2 IMDb, 80% RT audience, 3.3/5 Letterboxd) but limited educational or developmental benefit. Comedy can build cultural literacy, expose kids to British humor, and model self-awareness through observational humor. However, it's not particularly thought-provoking or skill-building—it's a fun watch that won't change anyone's life.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

McIntyre's warm, self-deprecating style makes everyday family chaos feel universal and hilarious
Clean enough for older teens but funny enough that parents won't feel like they're watching kid content
British observational comedy offers a different comedic sensibility than typical American stand-up
Topics like technology and family dynamics are relatable across generations—good for family viewing with teens

⚠

What to Watch For

Rated 15+ by Common Sense Media—likely includes some mild profanity and adult situations that aren't appropriate for younger kids
Stand-up pacing and British humor style might not land with all audiences, especially younger viewers
It's a one-hour special you watch once and you're done—no rewatch value for kids

Conversation Starters

"What was the funniest observation he made about how our family uses technology?"
"Do you think British and American comedy are different? How?"
"Have you ever had an embarrassing moment like the ones he described?"

Ask Anything

Get a personalized guide on any topic