Common Sense Media Review
By Kari Croop
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Bloody reboot swimming in shoot-outs, outdated stereotypes.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Rush Hour
What's the Story?
Based on the big-screen franchise starring Chris Tucker and Jackie Chan, this small-screen reimagining of RUSH HOUR pairs loose-cannon Detective Carter (Justin Hires) of the LAPD with rule-following Detective Lee (Jon Foo) of Hong Kong, who join forces to bring down a ring of violent Chinese criminals involved in the disappearance of Lee's younger sister (Jessika Van).
Is It Any Good?
It's not like Rush Hour is a cinematic classic. But this poorly produced imitation only serves to spoil the things the original film got right, particularly the chemistry between its lead actors. Hires does a respectable job channeling Chris Tucker and is clearly having a lot of fun doing it. But a comparatively lackluster Foo is miles away from Jackie Chan's charisma and only fun to watch when he's pulling off the show's fast-paced fight choreography.
Instead of showing, the script tends toward telling with clunky dialogue that draws obvious conclusions and subtle stereotyping that feels awkwardly out of date. (Not to mention, there aren't any adorable little girls singing the heck out of Mariah Carey's "Fantasy.") The result is a show that feels too much like a throwback to interest new audiences and too much like a cheap imitation to impress franchise fans. Both groups will be happier watching the original.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how Rush Hour the TV show compares to Rush Hour the film. How closely does this adaptation stick to the original? What changes were made to the story, plot, and characters to repackage it for a television audience? (And more importantly, does it work?)
To what degree does Rush Hour mine negative stereotypes about African-Americans, Asians, and women for laughs? Where's the line between funny and offensive?
How does Rush Hour's level of violence compare to other action-driven shows on TV? Is the TV show more or less violent than the original movie, and is either one OK for kids?
TV Details
- Premiere date : March 31, 2016
- Cast : Jon Foo , Justin Hires , Aimee Garcia
- Network : CBS
- Genre : Action
- Topics : Friendship
- TV rating :
- Last updated : October 1, 2025
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