Central Park
Parents say
Based on 3 reviews
Kids say
Based on 13 reviews
Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.
Central Park
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.
Suggest an Update
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 Central Park is an edgy animated musical comedy about people associated with New York's iconic park. It has some occasional strong language including "ass" and "hell." Sexual jokes and innuendo (some of which will go over younger kids' heads) are a part of the show, and there's a bit of bathroom humor. Brief images of teens hiding and smoking marijuana are shown. Moments of fantasy violence range from rodents being run over by bicycles and references to muggings, to a young character's imaginary superhero crime-fighting antics.
Community Reviews
best musical show ever
Report this review
Amazing Show I recommend for anyone who likes Broadway or less tacky adult animation
Report this review
What's the Story?
From the creators of Bob's Burgers comes CENTRAL PARK, an animated musical comedy about the caretakers of New York City's iconic park. Narrated by a street performer named Birdie (Josh Gad), it follows Central Park manager Owen Tillerman (Leslie Odom Jr.), who lives in a house in the park with his family, including his wife Paige (Kathryn Hahn), a journalist for a small local paper, and their kids, Molly (Kristen Bell) and Cole (Tituss Burgess). Owen loves living and working in a place surrounded grass, paths, and visitors. But local socialite and business developer Bitsy Brandenham (Stanley Tucci) intends to buy the space and, with the help of her assistant Helen (Daveed Diggs), open it up for urban development.
Is It Any Good?
This fun, well-written series hits lots of high notes thanks to a good script and a talented all-star cast. It manages to strike a creative balance between different story telling genres, allowing it to consistently deliver the producers' smart, dry humor. Furthermore, Birdie's narration, combined with the musical numbers, give it a slight Broadway flair that's both sweet and edgy. But, in-between folks breaking out into song lies a solid plot that's moved along by colorful, believable characters. Overall, Central Park is entertaining, and worth tuning into if you're looking for something light and enjoyable.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how difficult it is to combine different styles of storytelling in a single series. Do you think Central Park does it successfully? Why or why not?
How are people of different classes, races, ethnicities, and sexual orientations represented in the series? Are these representations stereotypical? How would viewers know the difference if they've never been to New York City or Central Park?
TV Details
- Premiere date: May 29, 2020
- Cast: Josh Gad, Kathryn Hahn, Leslie Odom Jr.
- Network: Apple TV+
- Genre: Comedy
- Character Strengths: Perseverance
- TV rating: TV-14
- Last updated: February 27, 2022
Our Editors Recommend
-
Bob's Burgers
Satirical, sometimes naughty humor on animated comedy.
-
King of the Hill
Wickedly funny at times, but not for all tastes.
-
The Simpsons
Clever, fast-paced cartoon with edgy humor.
-
Bless the Harts
Lighthearted comedy has some language, drinking.
For kids who love animated shows
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.
See how we rate