Universal Basic Guys parent guide: Families won't find this animated comedy universally funny

Universal Basic Guys is the new animated comedy headlining the FOX Network's Animation Domination block on Sunday nights. The series premiered on September 8th and follows two recently laid-off brothers, Mark and Hank, who receive a monthly $3,000 each from an experimental UBI program. Rather than using the funds for everyday essentials and utilities or saving them for unexpected emergencies, the guys waste the money on impulses and ridiculous notions.

The question remains: Is Universal Basic Guys a good family show to watch together? For starters, like Family Guy and some of The Simpsons' episodes, Universal Basic Guys has a TV-14 rating. As such, the material might not be suitable for younger viewers.

I watched UBG to give the show a deserving chance, but it wasn't my cup of tea, nor did it make me laugh, except for the neighbor's dog riding a skateboard to lure out an illegal snake, as dogs tend to save the show. But other than that, it didn't satisfy my interest in the form of The Simpsons and Family Guy. However, some might enjoy Universal Basic Guys because of the humor.

Here's what you need to know about Universal Basic Guys before proceeding to watch.

Explaining the Universal Basic Guys TV-14 Rating

Universal Basic Guys is pretty "clean" regarding adult animation, but then again, it's on a broadcast network, so the content must follow the guidelines and not go above TV-14. It does carry some eyebrow-raising content that even adults would find questionable.

Sex and nudity: In the first two episodes, there is no nudity or sex, but there are vocal innuendo references spoken between Mark, Hank, and their neighbors. It's a guy thing, but those under twelve will let it whiz past them.

Violence and gore: This is where the TV-14 rating is earned. After buying a sickly chimp with many medical issues and bringing the helpless animal home, much to his wife's chagrin, Mark gets his face ripped off by the animal, leaving a grotesque appearance. It's temporarily replaced with pig skin with a second open mouth until Mark gets reconstruction surgery. Another animal "attack" occurs when the two neighbors get nearly strangled by a 15-foot snake until the dog lures the snake out of the home.

Don't worry. The dog is safe.

Language: There's general swearing throughout, with the words "hell," damn," and "BS" being used. Regional humor is also injected. If you're from the Philadelphia area, you might find it relatable and humorous.

Alcohol and drugs: The chimp mentions via text-to-voice that he was a lab animal used for scientific experiments and testing. As a result, the technicians injected a combination of drugs and medications into the chimp, but none of the actual testing was shown. As for the drinking, there's hardly any, except in the opening theme and beginning scene.

Overall verdict: Is Universal Basic Guys good for kids?

In my humble opinion, Universal Basic Guys is geared toward male audiences since much of its material and jokes are circulated to them. Kids might get bored with it since it lacks child or family themes. However, after the show finds its footing past episode 3 (if it does), it might pick up on giving more youthful elements.

Be on the watch for more family content right here on The Parent Watch!