Cowboy Bebop (Cartoon Network)

common sense media says

Space adventures meant for mature anime fans.


parents & educators say
  • 40% say violence is an issue
  • 30% say there's too much drinking, drugs, or smoking

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that although this anime series is among the best in the genre -- with well-developed characters and an accessible plot -- it's definitely mature and not meant for younger viewers. It deals with adult themes, there's lots of violence (with plenty of blood and gun use), and characters swear ("son of a bitch," etc.), drink, and smoke.

Positive messages: The main character is a hero, but he's not without his moral quandaries; in one episode, the villains commit murder/suicide instead of getting caught.
Violence: Lots of strong animated violence; not for the faint hearted. Hitmen use machine guns to blow victims away; many other uses of guns; bloody, graphic deaths.
Sex: Faye dresses sexily and uses it to her advantage; characters ogle a scantily clad woman who does nothing to dissuade them.
Language: Language includes "son of a bitch," "damn," "goddamn," etc.
Consumerism: Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Characters smoke and drink; some episodes deal with drug trade/traffic.

More on Cowboy Bebop

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about the series' mature content -- violence, alcohol, etc. Do these elements enhance or distract from the main plot and messages? Also, what characterizes an "anime" series? If you're familiar with anime, what themes do you see repeated in different series? In general, how is animation different in kids' shows and more adult-oriented shows like this one? Why use animation to tell grown-up stories in the first place? How does animation affect the story being told?

What's the story?

What's the story?
One of the easier anime series to follow for neophyte viewers, COWBOY BEBOP -- which was the first anime series to air during Cartoon Network's Adult Swim block in 2001 -- is a good introduction to the genre. Set in 2071, the show centers on a group of bounty hunters (known as "cowboys") and their travels through space in a former fishing trawler called Bebop. This set-up allows for many different plot lines over the course of the series, with stand-alone bounty stories interwoven with flashbacks that develop each cowboy's personal history.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 
As with most anime series, there's extensive back story, but encyclopedic knowledge of this fictional world isn't required for viewing enjoyment. That said, due to its mature nature, it's not a good fit for younger viewers. But older teens and adults are likely to appreciate its creative sensibility.

Heavily influenced by American jazz and rockabilly from the 1940s and '50s, with an opening credits sequence that reminiscent of '60s spy shows and cartoons like Jonny Quest -- plus individual episodes named for popular songs like "My Funny Valentine" and "Bohemian Rhapsody -- Cowboy Bebop's atmospheric animation is a notch above the static images of many anime. Ship design, space station layout, and many other sci-fi elements are well thought out (one main character's transport ship looks like a cross between a '59 Bel Air and an X-Wing).

TV themes & details

TV Details
TV Rating: TV-MA
Network: Cartoon Network
Cast: Beau Billingslea, Wendee Lee
Genre: Science Fiction
Where to watch: Cartoon Network

This review was written by Scout Davidson
 
 

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What parents & educators say

13
Based on 10 parent & educator reviews:
  • 40% say violence is an issue
  • 30% say there's too much drinking, drugs, or smoking

Most useful reviews by all members

 
Brilliant - probably okay for level-headed young teens
It's brilliant in every sense, but it's not age-appropriate for little ones, and to be honest, I would think it would be rare to find one that would like it anyway - while there is a lot of good humor in it, it's also got a gritty style to it, and even when I find kids who play M rated games and whatnot, they usually go for the ones with shiny armor, high-tech computers, etc. The rating panel is on par for the most part, but there's a couple of things that got overlooked: for example, I'm fairly sure Faye drops the f-bomb once later in the series; earlier on there's one character who is shown to be a hermaphrodite (not actually sure if it's the correct terminology for the situation...) due to a mutation several years previous. All in all, I'd say it's probably okay for younger teens if they've got a good head on their shoulders - wouldn't recommend it for 12 or younger, though.

ssrex
teen, 15 years old
 
TV MA?
Never seen an episode rated that, but this show is pretty awesome. I'd be fine with letting a mature 12-13 year old watch it.One episode involves "mushrooms". Some action and smoking.

mpearmai
kid, 12 years old
 
Wait a minute... Cowboy Bebop must stop
This is not a good show

 
Successful Fusion of Anime, Westerns and Sci-Fi
Cowboy Bebop is a great introduction into anime for those new to it. Bebop is a benign show--adult themes are dealt with delicately and female characters are protrayed as strong and multidimensional. The soundtrack is phenomenal and it is is almost worth watching for that alone. My kids have watched and seemed to come away better for it.

myrab51
adult
 
Brilliant, but for older teens
This is my all time favorite anime. I have seen it many times, and own the series. However, I have not let my 10 and 12 year old watch it. Pros: The main characters are well developed. Throughout the series you do grow to feel like you know them, and what they are thinking. The stories are good. The characters are intelligent, and have good humor. The female characters are free thinking and independent. The group takes in a homeless child and cares for her. When the characters do show emotional sides, they are believable and not too sappy. They are kind to animals, and have a pet dog. The soundtrack really great. The show is just highly entertaining. It is a guilty pleasure. Cons (from a family perspective): Some of the things that give the characters depth, are also things that would make you not want to invite them home to dinner around your kids. Although there is never sex on the show, the characters are sexual. Spike makes some comments sometimes such as "I love a woman that can kick my ...." Faye wears a bright yellow next to nothing outfit that is barely kept together by a pair of suspenders. She has very large breasts that barely fit in her top, and are occasionally a focus of attention. From time to time there are gender identity issues that come up. The child character is named Ed, and often confused for a boy. A supporting character was transgender. The main characters also have some bad habits which include smoking, drinking, gambling, shouting, cussing, and fighting. There are firearms, and people do get hurt with them. There is occasionally blood, death, and a one suicide. Wrap up: If you are a fan of anime and rated R action genre movies, you may (probably will) like Cowboy Bebop. If that genre doesn't really do it for you, than you will probably want to pass.

gamerhead
kid, 13 years old
 
Best Anime Ever!
I'm kind of biased towards this anime. I'm a sucker for space shows but I think this is so much more. I love all the crew Spike, Faye, Jet, and Edward. They each get alot of development except for Edward but she still got a little. The fight scenes are incredible and the soundtrack is amazing.

mgraf
adult
 
Like the various forms of jazz used as the musical background and accompaniment, this show's characters and plots are alternately changeable, thoughtful, frenetic, erratic, violent, languid, calm, romantic, nostalgic, and complex. The themes and subtlety on display here are best for more mature watchers, although the visuals might keep younger ones engaged (and distracted from more questionable moments). Various episodes deal with crime (as a matter of course; the main characters are bounty hunters), drugs, gambling (one is character is addicted), sexuality, vengeance, regret, romance, religion, and what happens to food left in the fridge far too long.

Gamerbro
teen, 17 years old
 
A work of art by Shinchiro Watanabe
This is simply the best anime I have ever seen. The story is wonderful and subtle. The fight scenes are amazingly choreographed, and the characters are very real and relatable. Things do get pretty violent every once in a while, But it's forgivable in context(most of the time). However, children should not watch this. Not only are some scens pretty graphic, but they woukdn't understand the themes and the story. They might even shrug it off because it isn't actiony enough.

JamesRobertson
parent of and 7 , 11 , 14 , 17 year old
 

Samurai 2.0
teen, 17 years old
 
Beautiful classic anime.
An original Adult Swim show. I watched it at the age of 8 and was really lost. When I was 14, I rewatched it. This is quite truly a classic, but rather violent. Young kids won't understand the plot, either. Teens and up.

MissBean
teen, 14 years old
 
One of the greatest.
Think of this anime as a classic movie, don't watch it until you can appreciate it. I think it's fine for teens around my age.

AnimeFreak200
kid, 13 years old
 
Magnificent!!
This series is totally amazing!!!!!!! I would recommend anyone who loves anime to watch this series!!!

ILOVEGITS
parent of 13 and 15 year old
 
A Classic And A Masterpiece That Will Never Be Forgotten
I Love It! Me And My Two Kids Are Rollin Through This Series. We Started A Couple Days Ago And Have About 12 Episodes Left! We Are Staying Up All Night Tonight And Hopefully Finish It. If Your Kid/Teenager Loves Anime, I Would Definitely Recommend This To Parents And Teenagers, Thank You

Xela9
kid, 12 years old
 
This series is awesome!
I went to go watch at from the library and the whole thing was top-notch and good for kids. This series is awesome, and I recommend it for anyone who likes anime.

verum
adult
 
Great
A really, really good anime with a good English dub. It also features great music.

Mangareader101
teen, 16 years old
 
My ten year old brother loves it
This show is amazing! My brother, who is ten, loves this show and hates me when I delete any episode of the DVR. People who think that smoking and drinking are turn-offs need a life! Ive seen every episode atleast three times over.

 
It's an excellent animated series though it can be sort of violent at times.

who3697cares
teen, 18 years old
 
Not the best anime film, and I'm not usually a fan of the genre (not counting Studio Ghibli's children appropriate films), but I'm fascinated by Cowboy Bebop's film noir references and music influences.

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ON: Content is appropriate for kids this age.
PAUSE: Know your child, some content may not be right for some kids
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