 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Harvey Birdman: Attorney at Law
- Cartoon Network
- Genre: Comedy
Common Sense Media says
Classic 'toons in trouble with the law; teens+.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that while this animated Adult Swim series features classic Hanna-Barbera characters that most kids will be familiar with (Shaggy, Speed Buggy, Yogi Bear, etc.), it gives them new personality quirks and puts them in some iffy situations -- which might confuse younger viewers. For example, Avenger, a large, purple eagle (Harvey Birdman's former sidekick and current legal secretary), likes to keep dead dogs around to play with, and Fred Flintstone is suspected of being a Mob boss. Little kids won't get the spoofy satire, so save this one for teens who will appreciate the humor.
What's the story?
Airing as part of the Cartoon Network's Adult Swim lineup, HARVEY BIRDMAN: ATTORNEY AT LAW follows the washed-up, B-list Hanna-Barbera superhero-turned-lawyer as he represents other classic cartoon characters who find themselves in legal jams. Harvey (voiced by Gary Cole) works at the prestigious firm of Snedden & Snedden under the tutelage of partner Phil Ken Snebben (Frank Welker) and Peanut (Thomas Allen), a crass, unpredictable legal secretary. In each episode, Harvey uses his expertise in the fields of copyright law, criminal defense, and litigation to defend clients like Scooby-Doo and Shaggy (busted for drug possession), Fred Flintstone (suspected of being in cahoots with the Mob), and the Jetsons.
Is it any good?
The main gimmick of Harvey Birdman is that cartoon characters can get into just as much trouble as their human counterparts. It's a clever concept, but the episodes often feel disjointed and feature characters doing silly, senseless things that don't have much to do with the main storyline.
Much of the adult-aimed humor will go over kids' heads, too. In one episode, for example, carefree Peter Potamus (Chris Edgerly) eats radioactive pellets that transform him into an obese, green "creature." He returns to his original state, but morphs again at the slightest hint of tension -- the "stress monster" metaphor will amuse adult viewers, but kids won't get it. Add that to the fact that the show presents beloved cartoon characters involved in some sketchy situations, and this one is best reserved for teens and up.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about what makes this show funny. Is it the dialogue? The stunts? Seeing familiar characters cast in a new light? Which Hanna-Barbera cliches does the series play up? What other classic cartoon icons can you imagine coming through Harvey's court?
- Show:
- All members
- Parents
- Teens & kids
AGE
Inane Parody of Classic Cartoon Characters
Harvey Birdman is a hit-or-miss comedy that is probably one of the most tame offerings on Adult Swim. Playing off of Hanna-Barbera insider jokes such as Shaggy being a pothead or Race Bannon being gay, the show uses absurdity and parody as social commentary. There is nothing particularly offensive (I've watched it with my Grandma without blushing)but my kid's don't particularly enjoy it either.
Again, CS's review contains a factual error--the Peter Potamus' radioactive transformation isn't a metaphoric "stress monster" but an attempt at getting past Marvel Comic's legendary tight control of its creations, in this case, the Incredible Hulk!
C'mon, CS! Get some reviewers who are familiar with the genre before they take an authoritative stance!
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AGE
The most hilarious comedy on Adult Swim!
Sure, there's some suggestive content (Peanut sure is unpredictable...). Sure there's some minor language. Sure there's some drugs and violence. But don't let that fool you. This is a hilarious comedy about a guy named Harvey Birdman who is a lawyer defending classic cartoons. Scooby-Doo and Shaggy being accused for using marijuana? Fred Flinstone being accused for being associated with the Mafia? More crazy cases come up later on. Pretty soon this show's gonna end. Don't let that fool you either. This is an awesome show for 12+.
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AGE
Great show...not for kids
Over the top sexual innuendos.
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AGE
It's funny..but not right for some kids.
Some episodes aren't too bad for kids, and are only rated TV-PG; but know your kid on the TV-14 ones. A lot of them have sexual references(which mostly come from Peanut)and some suggestive dialogue; but overall, It's not as bad as some shows you'll see on Adult Swim. I say it's a funny show for 11+.
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AGE
Adult, but funny.
It's funny and adult. Stephen Colbert is really funny as Phil and Reducto.
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AGE
funny, crude.
i like it but not for young kids.
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AGE
i love this show
this is also one of my favorite shows, but it's more appropriate for teens and adults. i think it's so creative how they combine classic cartoon characters with real-life (i guess you would call it that) issues!
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| TV rating: | TV-14 |
| Network: | Cartoon Network |
| Cast: | Gary Cole, John Michael Higgins, Stephen Colbert |
| Genre: | Comedy |
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