American Auto
Kids say
Based on 1 review
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American Auto
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this TV show.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that American Auto is a workplace situation comedy set in the car industry. It has some adult themes, some strong language, including "bitch" and "ass." There are some sex jokes, using words like "boner," "banging," "ho," and brief references to masturbation and other sexual acts. Drinking is shown and there are references to drug use. People are hit by cars (but not seriously injured), and plot lines include things like kidnappings and other events that are more silly than violent. Topics like sexism, racism, the lack of inclusivity in the workplace, and homophobia are addressed through comedy.
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What's the Story?
From the creator of Superstore comes AMERICAN AUTO, a comedy series about the executive staff of (the fictitious) Payne Motors, a 100-year-old automotive company in Detroit, Michigan. Katherine Hastings (Ana Gasteyer) is the new CEO of the company, to which she brings her leadership skills and zero knowledge of the auto industry. Trying to keep her on point is her experienced team, including her assistant Dori (X Mayo), lead attorney Elliot (Humphrey Ker), lead engineer Cyrus (Micheal Benjamin Washington), and communications chief Sadie (Harriet Dyer), who unexpectedly finds herself having to admit to her connection to assembly line worker Jack (Tye White) after he's unexpectedly promoted to their team. Meanwhile, Wesley (Jon Barinhotz), a Payne family heir, also adds to the fray. From launching a self-driving vehicle, to helping the FBI catch a serial killer driving around in one of their cars, the gang must try to hold it together while attempting to keep pace with the changing automobile industry.
Is It Any Good?
This offbeat, albeit formulaic series features an ensemble cast of semi-competent employees negotiating workplace issues while trying to keep their inept company afloat. As in most situation comedies, American Auto's storylines are implausible, but lead to some funny banter. Well-rounded characters like Katherine Hastings (Ana Gasteyer) and Cyrus (Micheal Benjamin Washington) deliver solid, well-timed humor. Other potential-filled cast members are more like caricatures, and sometimes lack the substance necessary to deliver solid punchlines. Nonetheless, the overall story offers some subtle (and sometimes not-so-subtle) commentary about the current state of the automotive industry, and the people who run it. It's not perfect, but entertaining enough to tune into if you're looking for something lighthearted to watch.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about situation comedies. What kinds of characters do we expect to see in them? Why? Can a successful comedy introduce different or unique characters that challenge these expectations and still be successful?
Humor is often used as a way of delivering social commentary. Does American Auto successfully accomplish this?
TV Details
- Premiere date: December 12, 2021
- Cast: Ana Gasteyer, Harriet Dyer, Michael Benjamin Washington
- Network: NBC
- Genre: Comedy
- Character Strengths: Teamwork
- TV rating: TV-14
- Last updated: January 27, 2023
Our Editors Recommend
-
Superstore
Big-box workplace comedy is diverse, pretty funny.
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The Office
Workplace spoof is hilarious but filled with mature humor.
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30 Rock
SNL alums craft clever media satire.
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Parks and Recreation
Local government spoof for mature viewers is goofy at heart.
For kids who love sitcoms
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