Parents' Guide to

Downward Dog

By Joyce Slaton, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 12+

Surprisingly genuine emotion makes a cutesy premise work.

TV ABC Comedy 2017
Downward Dog Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

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

Community Reviews

age 14+

Based on 8 parent reviews

age 18+

Please don't cancel this show!!

I love this show and I'm very selective. I love that it has a truly unique perspective. The talking dog thing should be ridiculous but it completely works. ("Episodes" made fun of a talking dog show). This show has tremendous potential due primarily to its excellent cast. What can I do to help keep this show alive?
age 18+

ADORABLE SHOW! I think the script is clever and fun and the acting by all is just perfect! I look forward to seeing it each week as do all my friends. Bravo!!!

ADORABLE SHOW! I think the script is clever and fun and the acting by all is just perfect! I look forward to seeing it each week as do all my friends. Bravo!!! (The dog is precious...just so fun and some pretty heavy insight into life as well...awesome!)

This title has:

Great messages
Great role models

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (8):
Kids say (1):

Attached to a cutesy premise that was fresh and original right around the time that The Shaggy Dog and Mr. Ed were hot, this gentle comedy improbably works due to its pure sweetness. A dog who thinks he's people and talks to the camera when his owner's not around? Cringe. But Downward Dog scores by recasting the pet-owner relationship as a sort of romance, with Martin waxing rhapsodically over Nan's wonderful qualities and how very, very much he loves her. Nan, of course, is busy with work, busy getting over her breakup, and busy with other things -- she has no idea that when she sends Martin into the backyard to relieve himself instead of taking him on a walk, he's as heartbroken as if she'd stood him up for a date.

Anyone who's known a dog has marveled over the faithful, tireless love they provide and wished to be worthy of the worship. Hearing Martin voice the kind of thoughts we all imagine dogs must have quickly stops being awkward and starts being adorable. Dog-loving families may find themselves tearing up -- and may want to watch with their pet close at hand so they can smother them with love. Your dog won't know the reason for the extra affection, but, as dogs always do, he'll happily accept it.

TV Details

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