Common Sense Media Review
Bill Hader's subtle turn best part of dark hit man comedy.
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Barry
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 8 parent reviews
Based on 19 kid reviews
Kids say this show is a brilliant blend of dark comedy and drama, showcasing strong character development and a gripping storyline, all while being very violent and filled with strong language. Viewers appreciate its humor, emotional weight, and the standout performances by the cast, particularly praising the quality of writing and the show's ability to balance absurdity with serious themes.
- dark comedy
- strong language
- emotional depth
- character development
- humorous moments
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
BARRY, played by Bill Hader, is a depressed ex-Marine who now works as a hit man. When he's hired by a Chechen kingpin to kill a guy who's having an affair with the wife of one his men, Barry tails the guy to an L.A. community college acting class. After being mistaken for a fellow struggling actor, Barry is befriended by Ryan, his supposed target, and the rest of his actor friends, who all tell him he's a natural. Not used to this kind of positive attention, Barry decides he wants to put the hit man life behind him and try his hand at acting. Of course, this doesn't sit too well with his partner who sets up the hits, or with the Chechens.
Is It Any Good?
Half dark comedy about a hit man trying to find himself and half Hollywood satire about struggling actors and their pompous acting teacher, this series is held together by the subtle gravity of Hader's performance. He does remarkably restrained work here that expertly communicates his character's waywardness and need for purpose. It's a very different kind of role for Hader. That being said, if you're expecting big laughs from the Saturday Night Live alum, Barry may feel like a letdown. Viewers willing to stick with it will experience a show that offers a more sly style of humor as Hader gets the chance to inhabit a real person and use his natural physicality and expressive face to convey a depth of emotion that's surprisingly effective.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about acting as a skill. Why do all the people in the acting class think Barry is such a good actor? What is it about Barry that makes them think he's a "natural"?
Barry is paid to kill people. How do the creators of the show make him sympathetic? Can you think of other shows with likable criminals? Why do you think audiences are drawn to characters like this?
TV Details
- Premiere date : March 25, 2018
- Cast : Bill Hader , Henry Winkler , Stephen Root
- Network : HBO
- Genre : Comedy
- TV rating :
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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