Parents' Guide to Outer Space Astronauts

TV Syfy Comedy 2009
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Common Sense Media Review

By Will Wade , based on child development research. How do we rate?

age 15+

Crude comedy mocks sci-fi clichés; lots of partying.

Parents Need to Know

Why Age 15+?

Any Positive Content?

Parent and Kid Reviews

What's the Story?

The spaceship O.S.S. Oklahoma might make some important scientific discoveries ... if the crew was willing to turn down the stereo and put the brewskis back in the fridge. Following the adventures of a dedicated team out exploring the far reaches of the galaxy, OUTER SPACE ASTRONAUTS parodies many tried-and-true sci-fi clichés. It just so happens that this group of slackers is more dedicated to partying than to science, and when they encounter hostile aliens, their immediate instinct is to host a pizza party.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say : Not yet rated
Kids say : Not yet rated

This hybrid of live-action heads bolted onto computer animated bodies plays like Animal House in space; Captain Bruce Ripley (series creator Russell Barrett) even looks like a John Belushi type with a two-day beard and no shortage of pull-my-finger jokes. His second in command, Commander Dick Amos (Adam Clinton), tries to enforce discipline and go by the book, but his orders are routinely ignored -- nobody wants to let him harsh their buzz.

The standard Star Trek model, which has always taken itself way too seriously, is ripe for parody. But the genre deserves better than this hackneyed collection of sexist leers and cheap jokes about space hangovers.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the show's take on drinking and partying. Does it seem realistic? What are some of the real-life consequences of drinking?

  • How does this show compare to the shows it makes fun of (such as Star Trek)? Can you spot any elements from the basic formula that are skewered here? Can you think of any other plot points that should be mocked?

TV Details

  • Premiere date : December 8, 2009
  • Cast : Adam Clinton
  • Network : Syfy
  • Genre : Comedy
  • TV rating : NR
  • Last updated : November 1, 2022

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