Based on 2 seasons, 20 episodes · through March 8, 2020
Kidding is a comedy-drama series about a beloved children's television host named Jeff, also known as Mr. Pickles. After his son dies in an accident and his marriage falls apart, Jeff struggles to keep his sanity while his family and business partners try to manage his public image. The show includes storylines about a closeted gay husband having a secret affair and later fighting for custody. It also touches on modern themes of healing, family breakdown, and corporate greed.
Why 35%? See the score breakdownBreakdown
These are the editorial factors and ratings behind our score for Kidding.
Woke representation / casting
The cast is mostly standard for a modern city setting, but features a prominent South Asian actor playing a closeted gay husband. The characters are written with deep personal flaws rather than idealized, and there are no forced diversity quotas or unearned girlboss-style competent roles.
20%
Woke political dialogue
Conversations are character-driven and focus on grief, mental health, and family dynamics. The show does not contain activist lectures, political buzzwords, or ideological monologues.
0%
Identity-driven story themes
While the primary focus is on a father processing the death of his son, a major recurring B-plot centers on a closeted husband coming to terms with his sexuality, having an affair with a man, and going through a bitter divorce. This visible LGBTQ subplot adds notable weight to the show's identity themes.
40%
Western institutional / cultural critique
The series depicts corporate greed and the commercialization of children's media, but avoids broader activist attacks on Western culture or whiteness. Jeff's emotional repression and gentle nature are examined as personal psychological issues rather than as a broad systemic critique of traditional masculinity.
15%
Woke character or canon changes
This is an original television series with no legacy characters or pre-existing canon to change.
0%
Anti-woke backlash and complaints
There was no notable anti-woke backlash, online campaigns, or viewer complaints accusing the series of pushing an activist or political agenda.
0%
Creator track record context
The creative team has a mixed ideological profile. While creator Dave Holstein has no history of activism, several writers and directors have strong track records of advocating for Hollywood diversity and LGBTQ representation. Star and executive producer Jim Carrey is also well known for highly public left-wing activism.
38%
Production
