Common Sense Media Review
Animated mature spy spoof has sex, language, drinking.
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Why Age 15+?
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Archer
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 13 parent reviews
Based on 36 kid reviews
Kids say this show is a hilarious spy comedy with mature themes that may not be suitable for younger viewers, primarily due to its strong language, sexual content, and violence. Many reviews highlight its comedic value and suggest that it's best suited for teens and adults, with recommendations generally aligning for viewers aged 13 and up, though some express concern over the appropriateness for younger audiences.
- funny content
- mature themes
- suitability varies
- strong language
- animated humor
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
Sterling ARCHER (voiced by H. Jon Benjamin) is the most daring agent at the supersecret spy agency ISIS -- the International Secret Intelligence Service -- but he seems much more interested in enjoying life than in defending freedom and democracy. In this animated spy-spoof series, he prefers to spend his evenings pursuing women ... and consequently often spends the morning recovering from the excesses of the previous night. The ISIS team as a whole ends up getting caught up in petty office politics, and Archer gives his coworkers plenty of material for gossip -- especially via his tempestuous interactions with fellow agent/ex-girlfriend Lana (Aisha Tyler) and his chilly relationship with his domineering mother (Jessica Walter), the head of ISIS.
Is It Any Good?
Superspies take themselves so seriously that the genre is ready-made for parody, and Archer hits the bullseye. The spy and his colleagues put as much effort hacking into the company's health insurance records or trying to overwrite expense account records as agents in other espionage franchises might devote to tracking down a missing nuke or bringing down an international drug cartel.
This witty series flips the conventions of the espionage thriller, creating an entertaining and original show. It's fun, but it's also best for adults and older teens who can appreciate the source material and handle the language and sexuality.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about who this show is designed to appeal to. Do you think the fact that it's animated gives it more "kid appeal" than a live-action version? Do you think people often assume that anything animated is OK for younger viewers?
What makes this show a spoof? How do Archer's assignments differ from those of James Bond or the Mission: Impossible team? Does his after-hours social life seem Bond-like?
What about the superspy genre makes it so ripe for parody?
TV Details
- Premiere date : January 14, 2010
- Cast : Aisha Tyler , H. Jon Benjamin , Jessica Walter
- Network : FX
- Genre : Comedy
- TV rating :
- Award : NAACP Image Award - NAACP Image Award Nominee
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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