Common Sense Media Review
By Melissa Camacho
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Bland family comedy has language, relies on stereotypes.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Marlon
What's the Story?
MARLON is a comedy starring Marlon Wayans as Marlon Wayne, an Internet celebrity who shares parenting responsibilities with his ex-wife, Ashley (Essence Atkins). Raising Marley (Notlim Taylor) and Zak (Amir O'Neil) is his priority, but his larger-than-life personality often leads to some questionable guidance and unexpected mishaps. Marlon's couch-surfing friend Stevie (Diallo Riddle) acts as his sounding board when he's trying to figure things out, while Ashley's best friend, Yvette (Bresha Webb), always watches him with a judgmental eye. Sometimes Marlon can't help but act like an adult child, but in the end, family always comes first.
Is It Any Good?
This pretty predictable series, which is loosely based on Marlon Wayans' life, blandly updates the classic family-centered comedy. With the help of terms like "co-parenting," and consistently showing scenes of Marlon and Ashley together with the children, it weaves in the post-divorce narrative in a way that doesn't detract from the close family dynamic, but still allows it to be a central theme.
Despite the modern-day nuances, neither the conflict-inducing scenarios presented here, or their eventual resolutions, are very original. Wayans' comedy stylings add some energy to the show, though they sometimes comes across as a desperate attempt for a laugh. Ultimately, Marlon will appeal to Wayans' fans, but folks looking for a unique comedy won't find it here.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the meaning of family. Is it possible for a family to continue to be very close after the parents get divorced? Do you think Marlon offers a realistic portrayal of what that's like?
Much of the humor in Marlon addresses differences in various racial communities. Is it possible to do this without using stereotypes? Would this show be funny without them?
TV Details
- Premiere date : August 16, 2017
- Cast : Marlon Wayans , Essence Atkins , Diallo Riddle
- Network : NBC
- Genre : Comedy
- TV rating :
- Award : NAACP Image Award - NAACP Image Award Nominee
- Last updated : October 4, 2024
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