Common Sense Media Review
By Joyce Slaton
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Gentle animated show pokes fun at life's absurdities.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 10+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Strange Planet
What's the Story?
Based on the web comic of the same name, STRANGE PLANET takes viewers to another planet in a galaxy not our own, where pale blue "beings" live their lives in ways some might find bizarre, according to the theme song. Produced by Dan Harmon (Community, Rick and Morty), this animated show lampoons the absurdities of life.
Is It Any Good?
An ice-creamy color scheme and whimsical language gives a fresh vibe to this animated series. On Strange Planet's planet, much like our own, waffles are "criss-cross floppers," pet cats are "vibrating creatures," a flight attendant dispenses "comfort squares" (pillows) and gets to work on a "group roll machine" (bus). The language jokes lend Strange Planet's high-concept storylines some oomph, and the whole show is family-friendly, with very little iffy content.
Most episodes revolve around setups you've seen before: a job promotion turns out to be a mixed blessing; a character does something uncomfortable for a crush. After a few episodes, a few regular characters start to show up in related storylines, but mostly Strange Planet is episodic, preferring to illuminate familiar TV tropes with ironic language instead of breaking ground story-wise. The playful plays on words are funny, though they're not laugh out loud exactly, and a galaxy of guest starring voices adds more interest. You'll recognize the voices of D'Arcy Carden, Danny Pudi, and Yvette Nicole Brown, amongst others. Absurd and gently amusing, Strange Planet may be appreciated best by the type of young adult audience who love Rick and Morty, or their younger siblings.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Rick and Morty, the other animated show from this same producer, Dan Harmon. How is Strange Planet like Rick and Morty? How is it different? Is Strange Planet aimed at a different audience?
Have you read the webcomic this series is based on? Does knowing the source material add to or detract from your appreciation of this series?
Do you recognize any voices you hear on this show? Were you surprised that you can tell a particular actor voices a character just from hearing them?
TV Details
- Premiere date : August 9, 2023
- Cast : Danny Pudi , Tunde Adebimpe , Hannah Einbinder
- Network : Apple TV
- Genre : Comedy
- TV rating :
- Last updated : September 5, 2023
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