Parents' Guide to

Central Park

By Melissa Camacho, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 13+

Fun animated musical comedy is both sweet and edgy.

TV Apple TV+ Comedy 2020
Central Park Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

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

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age 11+

Based on 6 parent reviews

Central P.
Central P. Adult
June 4, 2020
age 12+

Amazing Show I recommend for anyone who likes Broadway or less tacky adult animation

This title has:

Great messages
Great role models
2 people found this helpful.
Kevin Mo
Kevin Mo Adult
June 3, 2020
age 8+

Please stop reviewing after the first episode CSM!

This series is PG, not TV-14 like Apple says. It’s fine for the kids. Cole uses a slur but it will slide past the kids. Perfectly fine for kids. Lots of songs, wholesomeness, and fun!

This title has:

Great messages
Great role models
2 people found this helpful.
See all 6 parent reviews

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?

Our review:
Parents say (6 ):
Kids say (14 ):

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

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.

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