The Cable Guy (1996) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?
Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language
When recently single Steven moves into his new apartment, cable guy Chip comes to hook him up—and doesn't let go. Initially, Chip is just overzealous in his desire to be Steven's pal, but when Steven tries to end the 'friendship', Chip shows his dark side. He begins stalking Steven, who's left to fend for himself because no one else can believe Chip's capable of such behaviour.
Rated PG-13 • 1996 • 1h 36m
Overall: A lonely cable installer latches onto a new client as a best friend — with increasingly disturbing results. Jim Carrey and Matthew Broderick. PG-13 rating covers the film's dark comedy and some violence.
Cast
Is The Cable Guy appropriate for kids?
Overall: A lonely cable installer latches onto a new client as a best friend — with increasingly disturbing results. Jim Carrey and Matthew Broderick. PG-13 rating covers the film's dark comedy and some violence. Read more — free account
Content severity in The Cable Guy
What happens in The Cable Guy, moment by moment
- 0:08 🔥 Mature Themes 5/10
- 0:15 💬 Language 3/10
- 0:45 🔥 Mature Themes 6/10
Sex and nudity in The Cable Guy
There is no actual sexual content or nudity depicted in the film. The story focuses on the protagonist's professional and personal boundaries being crossed by the antagonist, staying well within PG-13 guidelines. References to romance are strictly thematic and do not involve explicit material.
Violence and gore in The Cable Guy
A medieval battle sequence — played as comedy. A fight at the satellite dish. Comic violence consistent with PG-13.
Language in The Cable Guy
The film contains moderate language consistent with its PG-13 rating, including several uses of the s-word and various anatomical terms used as insults. While there are a few sharper expletives, they are used sparingly and primarily for comedic effect or to heighten the tension of the Cable Guy's outbursts. Parents should expect a frequency typical of mid-90s adult-skewing comedies.
Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in The Cable Guy
Substance use is not a factor in the movie, and characters are not shown using illegal drugs or smoking. Occasional social drinking may be seen in the background of public settings like the Medieval Times restaurant, but it is never a focal point of the plot. The film's erratic behavior is attributed to the antagonist's mental instability rather than chemical influence.
Mature themes in The Cable Guy
A film about loneliness and how television substitutes for human connection — the cable guy raised by TV who cannot form real relationships. Carrey's darkest and most underrated performance. The film was considered a misfire in 1996; it reads as prescient now.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Cable Guy appropriate for kids?
Bontent's parent guide suggests The Cable Guy is best for ages 14+. It's rated PG-13. Overall: A lonely cable installer latches onto a new client as a best friend — with increasingly disturbing results. Jim Carrey and Matthew Broderick. PG-13 rating covers the film's dark comedy and some violence.
What age rating does The Cable Guy have?
The Cable Guy is officially rated PG-13. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 14+.
What is The Cable Guy about?
Overall: A lonely cable installer latches onto a new client as a best friend — with increasingly disturbing results. Jim Carrey and Matthew Broderick. PG-13 rating covers the film's dark comedy and some violence.
Is there sex or nudity in The Cable Guy?
There is no actual sexual content or nudity depicted in the film. The story focuses on the protagonist's professional and personal boundaries being crossed by the antagonist, staying well within PG-13 guidelines. References to romance are strictly thematic…
How violent is The Cable Guy?
A medieval battle sequence — played as comedy. A fight at the satellite dish. Comic violence consistent with PG-13.
Is the language in The Cable Guy appropriate for kids?
The film contains moderate language consistent with its PG-13 rating, including several uses of the s-word and various anatomical terms used as insults. While there are a few sharper expletives, they are used sparingly and primarily for comedic effect or to…
Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in The Cable Guy?
Substance use is not a factor in the movie, and characters are not shown using illegal drugs or smoking. Occasional social drinking may be seen in the background of public settings like the Medieval Times restaurant, but it is never a focal point of the plot…
What mature themes appear in The Cable Guy?
A film about loneliness and how television substitutes for human connection — the cable guy raised by TV who cannot form real relationships. Carrey's darkest and most underrated performance. The film was considered a misfire in 1996; it reads as prescient now.
How long is The Cable Guy?
The Cable Guy runs 96 minutes, directed by Ben Stiller, released in 1996.
Where can I read the full The Cable Guy parent guide?
Create a free Bontent account to unlock the full scene-by-scene notes, filter by your kids' ages, and save titles to your personal watchlist.
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