dumb down

1. To make something less complex, nuanced, or intellectually challenging, typically in order to make the content more appealing or accessible to a wider audience. A noun or pronoun can be used between "dumb" and "down." The first film was a real exploration of the human psyche, but they dumbed down the second film into a generic horror film. I think there are ways we can make the story resonate with the audience without dumbing it down. I think we ought to dumb the play down a bit. After all, most of the people coming to see it won't have a PhD in drama.

2. To change a fictional character, as in a TV show or film series, to be or seem less intelligent than depicted previously. A noun or pronoun can be used between "dumb" and "down." They dumbed his character down in later seasons, turning him into a total goofball for cheap laughs. Once the creator left, the writers totally dumbed down the intricate plots the show had become known for. You can't dumb her down and expect her to remain a compelling character!

dumbed down

Typically hyphenated if used before a noun.

1. Made to be less complex, nuanced, or intellectually challenging, typically in order to make the content more appealing or accessible to a wider audience. The first film was a real exploration of the human psyche, but the sequel was a dumbed-down, generic horror film. I think there are ways we can make the story resonate with the audience without it being too dumbed down. I think the play needs to be dumbed down a bit. After all, most of the people coming to see it won't have a PhD in drama.

2. Rendered less intelligent or intellectually capable than previously. His character was seriously dumbed down in later seasons and turned into a total goofball just for cheap laughs. There are plenty of alarmist headlines out there claiming we are a dumbed-down generation, but that's simply not a fair assessment. Once the creator left, the writers totally dumbed down the intricate plots the show had become known for.