Cuckoo
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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 Cuckoo is a British comedy about adult kids moving back in with their parents. Older teens will find it funny, and the presence of SNL's Andy Samberg is also a draw. It contains some adult themes, cursing, some sexual innuendo and a little nudity, plus lots of references to getting high. Mild arguments are frequent, and on occasion people get slapped, break glass, and get hurt.
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What's the story?
The British comedy series CUCKOO follows the life of a family turned upside down by the appearance of a New Age slacker. Ken (Greg Davies) and Lorna Thompson (Helen Baxendale) are excited about the return of their daughter Rachel (played by Tamla Karl, and later Esther Smith), who spent her gap year abroad before beginning medical school. To their surprise, she shows up with a new husband, Dale "Cuckoo" Ashbrick (Andy Samberg), an eccentric, unemployed, narcissistic American who dedicates his life to thinking about how to make the world better and getting high. Despite his reservations, Ken agrees to let them live at home, much to the dismay of Rachel's teen brother, Dylan (Tyger Drew-Honey). As they try to adapt to the new family dynamic, things continue to get weirder, and lead to more unexpected events.
Is it any good?
This decidedly British series takes an extreme but humorous look at what life can be like when adult children return home. It highlights some of the struggles parents have when trying to balance their desire to be supportive with their desire to push them to grow up, make responsible choices, and be able to fend for themselves.
Granted, the premise of the show can only take the story so far. But later episodes feature lots of changes, including cast members like Twilight's Taylor Lautner, and unexpected, zany twists. British comedy fans will enjoy it, and parents on both sides of the pond will appreciate some of the dilemmas presented.
Talk to your kids about ...
Families can talk about what it is like for adult children to move back home. What are some of the challenges for parents? What about for the grown-up kids? Why do you think this practice is becoming more common?
TV shows produced in another country often contain things that U.S. television won't show or say, and vice versa. Why? Is it because of the differences in culture? Different laws? Or different audience expectations?
TV details
- Premiere date: September 25, 2012
- Cast: Andy Samberg, Greg Davies, Helen Baxendale
- Network: Netflix
- Genre: Comedy
- TV rating: TV-14
- Available on: Streaming
For kids who love British comedy
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