Archer
Parents say
Based on 14 reviews
Kids say
Based on 43 reviews
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Archer
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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 this spy spoof, although animated, is definitely aimed at mature viewers. The agents thrive on petty office politics, drink heavily, and pursue casual sex rather than supervillains. There's a good bit of swearing (including "s--t") and several animated sex scenes that feature partial nudity. Characters also carry a range of weapons and get involved in gun battles and fistfights.
Community Reviews
Great for adults, too much for kids.
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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: TV-MA
- Last updated: December 30, 2022
Our Editors Recommend
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Get Smart
Silly and fun, but edgier than the classic TV series.
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Titan Maximum
Animated sci-fi parody is coarse, campy adults-only fun.
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Arrested Development
Brilliant, innovative comedy for mature viewers.
For kids who love spies and silliness
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
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