Common Sense Media Review
By Joyce Slaton
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Drugs, sex, existential darkness in groundbreaking series.
Parents Need to Know
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BoJack Horseman
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 42 parent reviews
Parents say the show is a dark and mature dramedy that tackles heavy themes such as depression, addiction, and the often harsh realities of celebrity life while featuring complex characters that are not typically role models. Despite its comedic elements, many viewers feel it is not suitable for children, recommending it instead for older teens and adults due to its candid discussions of adult subjects and potential emotional impact.
- mature themes
- emotional depth
- flawed characters
- not for kids
- dark humor
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 105 kid reviews
Kids say the show is a remarkable blend of comedy and stark realism, often tackling difficult themes like depression, addiction, and personal growth through its deeply flawed characters. Many recommend it for older teens, emphasizing that while it contains strong language and adult situations, it offers profound insights into life and mental health that resonate with viewers, so mature understanding is crucial prior to watching.
- mature themes
- emotional depth
- dark humor
- complex characters
- viewer discretion
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
The eponymous star of BOJACK HORSEMAN is a down-on-his-luck animal actor (voiced by Will Arnett) who's nursing the last of his fame left over from starring in a Full House-like hit sitcom, Horsin' Around. BoJack hasn't had a lot of acting roles since then and spends most of his time moping around his Hollywood home with perma-houseguest/mini-entourage Todd (Aaron Paul), in between throwing parties and drinking himself into a stupor. His agent, talking cat Princess Carolyn (Amy Sedaris), is convinced that BoJack can climb back on top by writing his tell-all memoir with the help of ghostwriter Diane Nguyen (Alison Brie). BoJack isn't so sure. But he's sure that he's going to stumble back into fame—or at least infamy—somehow, and soon.
Is It Any Good?
What started out as an absurd romp about a has-been TV actor deepened and darkened over its six seasons to become a true (and tragic) animated classic. As the (also classic) BoJack Horseman outro theme song tells us, "Back in the '90s" BoJack was "in a very famous TV show," and ever since, he's coasted on his residuals and leftover fame. BoJack's continual romantic, career, and life humiliations in his fictional neighborhood of Hollywoo, California, were at first played for laughs. BoJack was a louche womanizer and a drunk in a lovable Two and a Half Men style, who used those around him to try to claw his way back to fame in schemes that inevitably brought comeuppance.
But as viewers came to know BoJack and the cast of hangers-on, paid consiglieres, and disgruntled current and former romantic partners who inhabited his life, the show got both more real and sadder. BoJack ultimately winds up confronting most of his issues with his family and friends in episodes that trend increasingly heartfelt, sometimes even beautiful. There are fewer laughs in later seasons, but those that occur are earned, and deeply rooted in rich characterizations. It's not for young kids, but for mature viewers who can appreciate a complicated and witty redemption arc, it's powerfully rewarding, if not always hilarious.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about why animated series aimed at adults are so popular. What are some others you can name? How are they like or unlike BoJack Horseman?
Do you recognize any of the voices in BoJack Horseman from other shows? How does it affect the way you feel about this show?
BoJack Horseman is known for being darker and more serious than many dramatic shows. Does the mix of absurd humor and visuals detract from dark storylines?
TV Details
- Premiere date : August 22, 2014
- Cast : Will Arnett , Alison Brie , Amy Sedaris
- Network : Netflix
- Genre : Comedy
- Topics : Animals ( Farm Animals , Horses )
- TV rating :
- Last updated : December 11, 2025
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