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Not Going Out (2006) Parents Guide: Is the series OK for kids?

Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language

Lee is a childish northerner who lives in a fancy penthouse apartment in London who goes through a variety of jobs such as a janitor and ice cream man, as well as attempting relationships with female flatmates. His best mate, Daily Mail reading, middle-class citizen Tim is always there to stop Lee from getting in trouble, or not? Mayhem is never far away with cleaner Barbara who has never done an honest day's work in her life.

TV-14 • 2006 • 14 seasons

7.5
Average rating by Bontent members
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Age
13+

This long-running British sitcom earns its TV-14 rating primarily for consistent, rapid-fire sexual innuendo and moderate profanity. The humor, rooted in classic farce and misunderstandings, revolves around the romantic and domestic life of a slacker named Lee. Parents should be aware of near-constant jokes about sex, occasional male and female rear nudity, and language that includes 'shit,' 'bastard,' and some unbleeped uses of… Sign up for the full guide

Cast

Lee Mack
Lee Mack
Sally Bretton
Sally Bretton
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Is Not Going Out appropriate for kids?

This long-running British sitcom earns its TV-14 rating primarily for consistent, rapid-fire sexual innuendo and moderate profanity. The humor, rooted in classic farce and misunderstandings, revolves around the romantic and domestic life of a slacker named Lee. Parents should be… Read more — free account

Content severity in Not Going Out Sign up for season-by-season breakdown

Substances Intense 10/10
Language Intense 10/10
Sex/Nudity Intense 10/10
Violence/Gore Strong 6/10
Mature Themes Intense 10/10

Sex and nudity in Not Going Out

Sexual innuendo and double entendres are frequent, often stemming from Lee's immature behavior or discussions about marital life. Episode 3, "Facts of Life," explicitly deals with sex education, including comedic, somewhat awkward discussions of reproductive anatomy and sexual acts, though always from a humorous and non-graphic perspective. There are references to past sexual encounters and mild flirtation, but no nudity or explicit sexual scenes.

Violence and gore in Not Going Out

Violence is minimal and entirely comedic. This includes slapstick such as characters tripping or falling, or mock fighting for humorous effect. In "Parachute," Lee performs a parachute jump, which involves implied peril but no actual injury or graphic depiction of danger. A vase is broken in "Whodunnit?" leading to comedic accusations, but no actual harm is inflicted.

Language in Not Going Out

The season contains moderate profanity. Words like "bloody," "hell," "damn," and "crap" are used regularly. Stronger terms such as "asshole" and "bitch" are infrequent but present. Some bleeped uses of the 'f' word may occur, but unbleeped uses are rare. The language is consistent with the show's established comedic tone.

Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in Not Going Out

Alcohol consumption is frequent, with characters regularly drinking in social settings, particularly at the pub or at home. In one episode, a plotline revolves around Tim accidentally acquiring a bag of what is believed to be illegal drugs, leading to humorous misunderstandings, though it turns out to be washing powder. Casual drinking is depicted throughout.

Mature themes in Not Going Out

The primary themes revolve around marital relationships, the challenges of parenting, and the dynamics of long-term friendships, all explored through a comedic lens. Episodes often highlight the petty arguments, misunderstandings, and contrasting personalities within the family and friend group. There are light themes of competition (e.g., a pub quiz) and uncovering family secrets, but these are handled humorously without significant emotional weight.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Not Going Out appropriate for kids?

Bontent's parent guide suggests Not Going Out is best for ages 13+. It's rated TV-14. This long-running British sitcom earns its TV-14 rating primarily for consistent, rapid-fire sexual innuendo and moderate profanity. The humor, rooted in classic farce and misunderstandings, revolves around the romantic…

What age rating does Not Going Out have?

Not Going Out is rated TV-14. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 13+.

What is Not Going Out about?

This long-running British sitcom earns its TV-14 rating primarily for consistent, rapid-fire sexual innuendo and moderate profanity. The humor, rooted in classic farce and misunderstandings, revolves around the romantic and domestic life of a slacker named Lee. Parents should be aware of near-constant jokes about sex…

How many seasons does Not Going Out have?

Not Going Out has 14 seasons covered in this parent guide. Sign up to see a season-by-season breakdown.

Is there sex or nudity in Not Going Out?

Our reviewers didn't note meaningful sexual content across Not Going Out.

How violent is Not Going Out?

Violence isn't a standout concern across Not Going Out per our reviewers.

Is the language in Not Going Out appropriate for kids?

Strong language isn't flagged across Not Going Out.

Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in Not Going Out?

Drug, alcohol, and smoking depictions are minimal across Not Going Out.

What mature themes appear in Not Going Out?

Heavy thematic material isn't a defining feature of Not Going Out.

Where can I read the full Not Going Out parent guide?

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