Common Sense Media Review
By Marina Gordon
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Familiar-feeling political sitcom is tame, light on laughs.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 11+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Mr. Mayor
What's the Story?
MR. MAYOR stars Ted Danson as wealthy self-made retired businessman Neil Bremer, who runs for mayor of Los Angeles as a way to impress his teen daughter Orly (Kayla Kennedy). As a novice politician, he learns the ropes (and scoffs at them) from his millennial staff (Vella Lovell, Bobby Moynihan, Mike Cabellon) and newly appointed deputy mayor (Holly Hunter).
Is It Any Good?
Anyone looking to fill the Good Place-sized hole in their hearts won't find a fit in Ted Danson's latest series, but it's still better than most network fare. Think of Mr. Mayor as a snarkier Spin City or a less warm-hearted Parks and Recreation. The series has a high joke density but few elicit more than a snicker, which is a pity considering the accomplished cast.
It may take a while for creators Tina Fey and Robert Carlock to acclimate to Mr. Mayor's L.A. setting after multiple New York-specific collaborations (30 Rock, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, Great News). The jokes and characters about the other coast in the first two episodes feel cliched -- Danson's Mayor Neil Bremer takes edibles! His foil, Councilwoman and newly appointed Deputy Mayor Arpi Meskimen, is a strident ultraliberal! The counselor (Rachel Dratch) at teen daughter Orly's private girls school is a woo-woo hippie! -- but the writing could grow into the show's good bones.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how the media portrays political leaders. How much do you think the media contributes to how we perceive them?
As far as the content, do you think the show exaggerates what happens behind the scenes in local government offices? Do you think local officials do a good job of running your community? Would you ever be interested in becoming a part of your local goverment?
TV Details
- Premiere date : January 7, 2021
- Cast : Ted Danson , Holly Hunter , Kyla Kennedy
- Network : NBC
- Genre : Comedy
- TV rating :
- Last updated : January 27, 2021
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