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Parents' Guide to

Moonbeam City

By Joyce Slaton, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 14+

Sex, violence, retro style in animated '80s cop comedy.

TV Comedy Central Comedy 2015
Moonbeam City Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

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

Community Reviews

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age 18+

Based on 1 parent review

ChrisD 2
ChrisD 2 Adult
September 19, 2015
age 18+

Don't listen to common sence on this one

Ok well I watched the first episode of this show last night and um well I wasn't that empressed it was funny enough To be a comedy but the sex and violence level Is extremly high it shows them having full force sex twice not to mention the shootouts and the lack of respect for your business partner "calling her a bitch when she's trying to help " I strongly urge parents to not let their young kids watch this though as an a grown man I liked it
See all 1 parent review

What's the Story?

In neon-drenched MOONBEAM CITY, Dazzle Novak (Rob Lowe) is a loose-cannon detective who commits more crimes than the criminals he never quite manages to lock up. His tyrannical boss, Pizzaz Miller (Elizabeth Banks,) barks orders and sighs over his antics, but nothing can stop Dazzle from pursing cases -- except any decadent distraction he comes across. His chief rival Rad Cunningham (Will Forte) is always trying to get the upper hand too -- good thing Dazzle has Chrysalis Tate (Kate Mara) on his side to mop up any mess he might happen to make.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (1 ):
Kids say (3 ):

Though the plot points are standard "crazy cop on a bender" antics you've seen before, the art direction in this animated series will leave '80s-style lovers gasping. Beautifully neon-shaded characters look like Nagel paintings (think Duran Duran's Rio cover), and those who lived through the 80s (or study its artifacts) will love spotting '80s-isms such as malls filled with frozen yogurt stores, 50-piece drum sets, and pants with enormous pleats.

The gags are decent enough too; the central conflict of Moonbeam City's pilot involves Dazzle's fury over losing his "#1 Cop" mug to rival Rad. If Archer makes you laugh, this probably will too; the jokes are a tad less sharp and a lot less dirty but fun enough.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about Moonbeam City's visual style. Which era is it evoking? Which 1980s TV shows, artwork, or trends does it remind you of?

  • TV shows set in police departments with loose-cannon cops are a staple. Why? What dramatic or comedic possibilities do they offer?

  • Are animated shows usually aimed at children or adults? Are children more likely to want to watch an adult show that's animated? Why?

TV Details

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