Common Sense Media Review
Washed-up jock is no role model in hilarious adult comedy.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 18+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
What's the Story?
It's really hard to like Kenny Powers (Danny McBride), but he sure does want to be liked. Once a star pitcher, the washed-up ball player has squandered his fortune, been drummed out of the big leagues, and now, in EASTBOUND & DOWN, is slumming it as a middle school gym teacher while crashing with his brother's family. Once accustomed to the trappings of fame, Kenny can barely disguise his contempt for the regular folks he works with -- including his middle-class brother -- and he deludes himself by pretending he's still important. The one highlight of his new life is finding that his high school girlfriend April (Katy Mixon) is a coworker at Jefferson Davis Middle School. Kenny continues to imagine that she still wants him -- even though she's now engaged to the school principal (Andrew Daly).
Is It Any Good?
He's self-centered, crass, inconsiderate, and extremely profane. And yet, Kenny Powers is trying his very best to start fresh back home. Turns out, his best is terrible. Watching Powers' attempt at redemption while having absolutely no self-awareness is excruciatingly painful and painfully hilarious. The show's jokes aren't for the faint-hearted; you may cringe as much as laugh, and the lives of its characters can appear remarkably bleak. But somehow this mullet-sporting sad sack will weasel his way into your heart.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about role models. What makes someone a good role model? Just because someone is a talented sports star, should he or she be pressured to be a positive influence in other arenas?
Is there anything to like about Kenny Powers? Why do you think he gets away with so much?
TV Details
- Premiere date : February 15, 2009
- Cast : Danny McBride , John Hawkes , Katy Mixon
- Network : HBO
- Genre : Comedy
- TV rating :
- Last updated : October 6, 2020
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