Common Sense Media Review
By Jenny Nixon
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Absurdist comedy blends the supernatural and the surreal.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Neon Joe: Werewolf Hunter
What's the Story?
The idyllic town of Garrity, Vermont -- aka "B&B Town, USA!" -- is besieged by a sudden rash of werewolf-related attacks. Mayor Carol Blanton (played with a hilariously straight face by Stephanie March of Law & Order: SVU) is forced to call in the help of the mysterious NEON JOE: WEREWOLF HUNTER (Jon Glaser of Parks and Rec and Girls), an eye patch-sporting, highlighter yellow-clothed werewolf assassin (who moonlights as the author of a series of erotic romance novels). The show follows Joe's misadventures as he mingles amongst the townspeople and attempts to help solve their werewolf problem. He makes some familiar friends along the way, including high-strung barkeep Sonny Cocoa (Scott Adsit of 30 Rock) and well-meaning simpleton Cleve Menu (Eastbound and Down's Steve Little).
Is It Any Good?
Jon Glaser is a comedic standout in almost every role he's played, and the show is a treasure trove of ridiculous sight gags, horribly goofy puns, and absurdist humor. The story itself is meandering, surreal, and almost beside the point. We're here for the Neon Joe character, as obliviously dumb and borderline offensive as he may be. There are a lot of pop culture references in Neon Joe: Werewolf Hunter, from Elon Musk to parodies of Misery and Jaws, that are probably best appreciated by older teens and adults. This style of eccentric and nonsensical humor is an acquired taste, not for everyone -- fans of Tim and Eric and Eagleheart should feel right at home viewing it -- while those who prefer traditional sitcoms may be left scratching their heads.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the mix of comedy and horror used in Neon Joe: Werewolf Hunter. Are the horror parts actually scary? Would the concept be more or less frightening without as many jokes?
Is using violence as a punchline ever okay? Does it make a difference if it is portrayed comically or realistically?
TV Details
- Premiere date : December 7, 2015
- Cast : Jon Glaser , Steve Little , Scott Adsit
- Network : Adult Swim
- Genre : Comedy
- TV rating :
- Last updated : October 10, 2022
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