Harvey Birdman: Attorney at Law
- Network: Cartoon Network
- Genre: Comedy
Common Sense Media says
Classic 'toons in trouble with the law; teens+.
- Network: Cartoon Network
- Genre: Comedy
What parents need to know
Violence
Sex
Language
Consumerism
Drinking, drugs, & smoking
Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that while this animated Adult Swim series features classic Hanna-Barbera characters that most kids will be familiar with (Shaggy, Speed Buggy, Yogi Bear, etc.), it gives them new personality quirks and puts them in some iffy situations -- which might confuse younger viewers. For example, Avenger, a large, purple eagle (Harvey Birdman's former sidekick and current legal secretary), likes to keep dead dogs around to play with, and Fred Flintstone is suspected of being a Mob boss. Little kids won't get the spoofy satire, so save this one for teens who will appreciate the humor.
User reviews
Parents say
Kids say
What's the story?
Airing as part of the Cartoon Network's Adult Swim lineup, HARVEY BIRDMAN: ATTORNEY AT LAW follows the washed-up, B-list Hanna-Barbera superhero-turned-lawyer as he represents other classic cartoon characters who find themselves in legal jams. Harvey (voiced by Gary Cole) works at the prestigious firm of Snedden & Snedden under the tutelage of partner Phil Ken Snebben (Frank Welker) and Peanut (Thomas Allen), a crass, unpredictable legal secretary. In each episode, Harvey uses his expertise in the fields of copyright law, criminal defense, and litigation to defend clients like Scooby-Doo and Shaggy (busted for drug possession), Fred Flintstone (suspected of being in cahoots with the Mob), and the Jetsons.
Is it any good?
QUALITY
The main gimmick of Harvey Birdman is that cartoon characters can get into just as much trouble as their human counterparts. It's a clever concept, but the episodes often feel disjointed and feature characters doing silly, senseless things that don't have much to do with the main storyline.
Much of the adult-aimed humor will go over kids' heads, too. In one episode, for example, carefree Peter Potamus (Chris Edgerly) eats radioactive pellets that transform him into an obese, green "creature." He returns to his original state, but morphs again at the slightest hint of tension -- the "stress monster" metaphor will amuse adult viewers, but kids won't get it. Add that to the fact that the show presents beloved cartoon characters involved in some sketchy situations, and this one is best reserved for teens and up.
Families can talk about...
Families can talk about what makes this show funny. Is it the dialogue? The stunts? Seeing familiar characters cast in a new light? Which Hanna-Barbera cliches does the series play up? What other classic cartoon icons can you imagine coming through Harvey's court?
TV details
| Cast: | Gary Cole, John Michael Higgins, Stephen Colbert |
| Network: | Cartoon Network |
| Genre: | Comedy |
| TV rating: | TV-14 |
| Available on: | DVD |
Great handpicked alternatives
Browse more TV
Top advice and articles
What parents and kids say
Share your thoughts with other parents and kids Write a user review
A safe community is important to us. Please observe our guidelines
QUALITY
Inane Parody of Classic Cartoon Characters
Harvey Birdman is a hit-or-miss comedy that is probably one of the most tame offerings on Adult Swim. Playing off of Hanna-Barbera insider jokes such as Shaggy being a pothead or Race Bannon being gay, the show uses absurdity and parody as social commentary. There is nothing particularly offensive (I've watched it with my Grandma without blushing)but my kid's don't particularly enjoy it either.
Again, CS's review contains a factual error--the Peter Potamus' radioactive transformation isn't a metaphoric "stress monster" but an attempt at getting past Marvel Comic's legendary tight control of its creations, in this case, the Incredible Hulk!
C'mon, CS! Get some reviewers who are familiar with the genre before they take an authoritative stance!
Was this review useful?
QUALITY
Was this review useful?
QUALITY
The most hilarious comedy on Adult Swim!
Sure, there's some suggestive content (Peanut sure is unpredictable...). Sure there's some minor language. Sure there's some drugs and violence. But don't let that fool you. This is a hilarious comedy about a guy named Harvey Birdman who is a lawyer defending classic cartoons. Scooby-Doo and Shaggy being accused for using marijuana? Fred Flinstone being accused for being associated with the Mafia? More crazy cases come up later on. Pretty soon this show's gonna end. Don't let that fool you either. This is an awesome show for 12+.
Was this review useful?
Poll
What are the different ways that you access Common Sense Media ratings and information? (Check all that apply)
What are the different ways that you access Common Sense Media ratings and information? (Check all that apply)
Total votes: 760