Common Sense Media Review
By Ashley Moulton
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Unfunny post-apocalyptic comedy has iffy content.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Mulligan
What's the Story?
MULLIGAN follows the last 1,232 people on Earth who survive an alien attack. The survivors are all in Washington, D.C., and a stereotypical Boston bro Matty Mulligan (Nat Faxon) becomes President after his well-timed grenade wipes out the alien invaders. President Mulligan is incompetent and selfish, and unsure how to lead in times of crisis. An uber-conservative southern senator Cartwright LaMarr (Dana Carvey) uses the power vacuum to his advantage, and passes all sorts of legislation as the sole surviving member of Congress. Former Miss America Lucy Suwan (Chrissy Teigen) becomes his First Lady, and she helps assemble a panel of "experts" (i.e. some of the only people left on Earth) to respond to the apocalypse. Some of the experts include a brilliant scientist but stressed working mom Farrah Braun (Tina Fey), a child impersonating a military general, and an academic with an obscure history PhD. They resolve for this post-invasion world to become a "mulligan" of the United States -- an opportunity to start over from scratch and do everything right this time.
Is It Any Good?
The premise of the show is interesting, but the pessimistic tone of Mulligan misses the mark. Whereas the creators' Kimmy Schmidt turns tragedy into comedy, the characters on this show seem resigned to the fact that nothing bad about the United States will ever be able to change. This fatalistic attitude will not resonate with teens. Many of the jokes also make dated cultural references that teens (and most adults) won't find funny. Despite the comedic powerhouses producing the show and lending their voice talents, Mulligan needs a namesake do-over to succeed as a show.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the worldview of Mulligan. How do you think the writers view the state of the United States today. Do you agree or disagree?
Do you think the main cast of characters serve the point of the show well? How do the writers effectively or not effectively use stereotypes to make their point?
TV Details
- Premiere date : May 12, 2023
- Cast : Tina Fey , Nat Faxon , Dana Carvey , Chrissy Teigen
- Network : Netflix
- Genre : Comedy
- TV rating :
- Last updated : May 16, 2023
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