Parents' Guide to

Bust Down

By Gemma Agravante, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 15+

Adult jokes with childish antics from rising Black creators.

TV Peacock Comedy 2022
Bust Down TV Show: Poster

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What you will—and won't—find in this TV show.

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What's the Story?

In BUST DOWN, a group of friends working minimum-wage casino jobs in an economically abandoned former industrial town, seek better futures through questionable choices. Sam -- played by Sam Jay (writer for SNL, That Damn Michael Che) -- is fed up with being a "cafeteria lady." When Jak -- played by Jak Knight (Big Mouth) -- gets "moo-lested" by a workplace superior, each of his friends find different ways to give him bad advice. Langston -- played by Langston Kerman (Insecure, Bless this Mess) gets excited, and wants to use Jak's experience as political leverage against casino management, so that the whole group can benefit by trusting "the system." Chris -- played by Chris Redd (SNL, Popstar) -- gets competitive, bragging about getting oral sex from his mom's friend as a teen, and encourages Jak to feel special because he was "chosen." Chris is confused when the group reacts with sympathy, then has to come to terms with what victimhood looks like for him. Sam tells Jak to bury the memory of his experience, then gets him drunk to help him forget his feelings. The next morning Sam's girlfriend Nina (DomiNque Perry) finally gives Jak some basic words of encouragement. Believing that "hurt people hurt people," Jak's solution is to tie himself to a chair because he is "infected with the sickness." Sam brings Jak a plant to use as therapy. Jak eventually responds to his assault by publicly confronting his assailant with a phallus-like object, in retribution. Other staff come forward with similar stories, validating Jak's experience. The accused escapes, leaving Chauncy (rapper Freddy Gibbs) as both acting manager and head of HR. How will this work out for the group?

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: Not yet rated
Kids say: Not yet rated

This comedy quartet is an emerging force, and with this show, they're providing another fresh layer to workplace comedies. The Bust Down creators prioritize laughter above all -- portraying a distinct Black perspective, but with wild antics tossed in like handfuls of glitter. With his playful physicalities, Jak embraces silliness, bringing a childish energy to some of the more adult subject matter. His cousin, Chris, is naive and grossly overconfident; he's charismatic but acts like a fool most of the time. Langston is full of enthusiasm and takes pride in his work ethic, but often finds himself in over his head. Sam is grounded and willingly self-interrogates, but has an inclination to numb her emotions.

There's a refreshing Black lesbian relationship dynamic that's exciting to see, particularly within a male-dominated cast. Pushing back against the rags-to-riches narratives depicting Black successes in spite of their historic disadvantages, Bust Down intends to lower the bar. While there are plenty of wild takes for comedy's sake, these characters have moments of emotional awareness and healthy self-interrogation.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about how Bust Down is a Black-led production -- from producers, to writers, to cast. Consider representation, and why it's important in media.

  • In the first episode Jak experiences sexual harassment from his boss. Why is it important for young folks to feel comfortable talking about past and possible sexual harassment with trusted adults?

  • Nina tells Sam that getting Jak drunk to bury his trauma is not an effective solution. How is emotional intelligence useful when something bad has happened to you or a friend?

TV Details

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