Common Sense Media Review
By Melissa Camacho
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Animals observe, imitate humans in crude animated comedy.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 17+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Animals
What's the Story?
Created and voiced by Phil Matarese and Mike Luciano, ANIMALS is an animated series about New York City animals and their human-style musings about life. From hipster mice to bedbugs struggling with divorce and depression, these Big Apple natives lead lives full of socially awkward moments, sexual escapades, midlife crises, and other big issues.
Is It Any Good?
This irreverent series, which originally debuted at the Sundance Film Festival, anthropomorphizes animals to share comical, bitter, and often clueless thoughts about day-to-day life. The delivery of these reflections is purposely drab and dry, and the voices of well-known celebs, including Molly Shannon and Paul Scheer, also add to the banter.
The stories it tells aren't particularly unique or clever, and the flat delivery soon becomes stale thanks to its overuse. Some of what's featured is pretty crude, too. Nonetheless, there are some moments when you can't help but chuckle. If you like this sort of TV entertainment, no doubt you will appreciate what's being delivered here.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the use of anthropomorphism on TV and in film. Can you think of popular shows that feature nonhumans acting like people? Why are the characters given those characteristics?
Edgy humor is often used to entertain and to make a point about communities or societies. Can this humor go too far? Who gets to decide if it does or doesn't?
TV Details
- Premiere date : February 5, 2016
- Cast : Phil Matarese , Mike Luciano
- Network : HBO
- Genre : Comedy
- TV rating :
- Last updated : September 24, 2022
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