User reviews

Lets get one thing our the way before we start the review, the comparison to Archer thats being made. I can see where the similarities come from but this is still different enough from Archer to be original, almost such as Family Guy is similar to The Simpsons or Mad TV was/is to SNL. While they may be similar they're also very different and the show itself stands as an homage to 80's comedy and action films. Chances are if you have watched an 80's cop movie such as RoboCop or Lethal Weapon or TV shows such as Miami Vice you'll understand the style and take for the series. But the show is not an Archer clone and unfair to describe it as such. Moonbeam City is a fantastic new addition to the adult cartoon humour that has been getting bigger in the past few years.

The Good: The show is hilarious. And the cast does a great job at keeping up with the jokes and playing their respective characters. Rob Lowe plays Dazzle a dimwitted cop who is narcissistic, stylish and probably our first Pan-Sexual character on a TV show, without any spoilers basically Dazzles character hits on women, men and even animals...You'll have to watch to get the reference. Next is Will Forte who plays Rad Cunningham Dazzles rival to be the #1 cop and replace Dazzle as much as possible, he is also another dimwitted character who only cares about pretty much overtaking Dazzle but is just as selfish and maybe a bit more dumb than him. Pizzaz Miller played by Elizabeth Banks who their chief, she basically yells and screams at them for always screwing up and seems to break a lot of windows, her purpose is to basically be a huge bitch and chew out Dazzle and Rad for their incompetence and you have to wonder why she Dazzle and Rad around with all their blunders. And then finally there's Chrysalis the only person with brains on the team and who seems to know what to do, and when. But of course with all the morons around she's used and abused by just trying to do her job. The style of the cartoon is very nice, a very 1980's neon type of glamour look. The city looks fantastic even though it's rampant with crime and just overall the overall tone gives you a feeling of 80's culture and references. And while at this point there hasn't been many episodes the jokes are great. With some funny reoccurring jokes that happen in every episode. And then the music which is a synth type of club music, from opening credits to chase scenes all the way to end credits, the music rolls and gives it that extra nostalgia feeling.

The Bad: Some of the jokes fall flat and are just not there or are hard to get, other times it tries to be funny but really t's more awkward.but frankly they're few and far between as of now there aren't that many episodes so it's hard to say if the show will get renewed, though here's hoping it will. There's not much else to really say bad as the series relies much on humour that you either may or may not like, but all in all the show is still a great gem.

Final: Moonbeam City is funny not everyone may think so, but not everyone has the same tastes. The shows animation and voice acting is top-notch and the humour either makes you laugh out loud or may fall flat, either way if you're looking for a new show thats both funny and stylish try out Moonbeam City you won't regret it.

Saw this show last week after watching a trailer on comedy central. I have to say, I'm a fan. This show is essentially a parody of every 80's cop show out there. There is an Archer-vibe to the show, especially reflective in the oversexed, often incompetent, lead in Dazzle Novak but I think Moonbeam City very much has its own niche. Frankly, I find it unfair to categorize it as an "Archer rip off," as it has its own humor and charm.

The cast is full of big names like Rob Lowe as the lead character and Elizabeth Banks, whom I detest as an actress often but she really nails it as Pizzaz. They all do a pretty good job in their roles especially Lowe who really makes Dazzle to be utterly incompetent but still charming in a "what a maroon," kind of way.

I find the jokes hit or miss, there is a lot of shock humor but honestly everything on Comedy Central so no surprise there. The problem is that there just isn't consistency. I think the funny moments, especially in episode 2, far outweigh the bad and even the bad jokes are surrounded by relatively good writing so you can at the very least enjoy the conversations.

The art style is excellent, by far my favorite animated show currently on right now stylistically. It really has that "Vice City," vibe (if you've ever played the video game) with a touch of a Frisky Dingo. The colours are vibrant and the soundtrack is pretty solid.

With solid writing, good cast and great art design you owe it to yourself to take a trip to Moonbeam City.

Some reviewers really like the word "ripoff".

As far as the Patrick Nagel thing goes, there's a difference between a ripoff and an homage. This is clearly an homage. Read the "trivia" section on this page.

The only similarities to Archer are the TVMA rating, and the fact that it's about a bunch of adults who work together. That's it. Seriously. How is that a "ripoff"?

Stylistically and tonally it's much more like Metalocalypse, which was a fantastic show that i miss terribly. I suspect Tommy Blacha's involvement with both has a lot to do with the similarities. The voice cast contains some of my favorites, it's well written, and i really hope it doesn't get canceled.

I read a lot of reviews about this show. Different websites, different authors, but each of them has a core idea: Moonbeam City is an Archer clone and it's not funny. I'm addressing all of you who think so. What the hell are you thinking? Where are those similarities to Archer? I'll answer for you. Where are none.

Let's start with the most important component of these shows. Humor.

Humor in Archer based mainly on dialog flows, relationship between people and various spy movies cliché's. Archer has very little of visual gags and lack of visual humor at all. That's not an issue, though. Archer keeps realism bar on a sensible level. I would say, Archer has English humor.

Moonbeam city humor is complete opposite. It doesn't give a damn about relationships nor dialogs. It entertains us with absurd situations, mad people blathering senseless pathos and logic from 80- s movies. We laugh about one-line phrases covered in tons of out of place pseudo- pathos, rather than diаlog swordplay. Moonbeam city knows nothing about realism. I say, it has American humor.

Next elements are not as relevant as humor, so I'll keep it short:

Atmosphere: Archer has an office atmosphere. Colleagues in a confined space. Place changes, yeah (ISIS office, Mansion, Airship, Train), and we observe communication between well known people.

Moonbeam city has Wild Night atmosphere. Never at the same spot, introducing new characters each episode, beautiful sunsets and neon nights.

Characters: Archer - Office workers. Moonbeam City - police dorks.

Based on: Archer - Spy movies (mostly James Bond) Moonbeam City - 80's movies.

Where are similarities? What makes Moonbeam city being a clone of Archer? Jerky Cool Male Lead? Then half of marvel movies are clones of each others.

Moonbeam city is funny, when you don't expect same type of humor as from Archer. Chill, will ya?

I watched it because of the band Night Club. It's kinda funny. It's a nice show to watch once and turn your brain off to. A way to distract yourself from your own existential crises.

The characters are bland and flat. Dazzle is the pretentious jock. Pizazz Miller is like Cuddy from House M. D. or Jan from The Office. Chrysalis is the every-man. Rad is the conformist "non-conformist".

It's understandable that it wasn't renewed for a second season. It's impossible for there to be any meaningful overarching plot. Don't go into it expecting something grand and thought provoking. It's something to pick up and put away after you're done with it.

Similar humor sensibilities to adult cartoons mentioned in summary title. Love the subtle jokes as well as 80/90s cultural references. Not a show with universal appeal but do not think this is what they are going for. Rob Lowe's voice and acting sensibilities really add to the humor. This was one of the first shows I've watched in a while and caught myself laughing out loud. If they can keep this level of humor going even for one season, this will definitely become another cult guilty pleasure series to add to my list. I would not be surprised if it does not make it past the first season due to this being a very specific type of humor that is likely not to gain many fans beyond those who already love this type of adult toon comedy.

Visually a delightful 80s nostalgia trip filled with neons, pastels and sharp animation, frequently supported by a great soundtrack, but the narrative material feels recycled and slightly too over the top, which is why none of the jokes are actually very funny...

I really adore this show. Not only the artwork but it is actually funny. The voice cast and the characters are wonderful. Especially Rad, who is has to be my favorite from the show. Each episode they have aired so far, it always put a smile on my face.

This show really does deserves a second season. Not because I want one but to explain more about not only the series itself but we know a lot about the background of all the characters except for Rad. We need to see more of his back-story.

To be honest, I find it a lot better than Archer and I like Archer as well.

The comparison to "Archer" looms large over "Moonbeam City" (and it is apt), but the show's nowhere near as funny. Most of the jokes are amusing in an "I see what you did there" sorta way, but there's no knee-slapping, and I don't remember a good one-liner. The good things about this show are mostly textural; I liked the neon pastels (reminds me of games like "Double Dragon Neon" and "Far Cry 3: Blood Dragon") and I do like the music. But the Patrick Nagel character models lack the versatility for series animation. Basically, it kinda gets old.

It seems strange to me that, to this '80s junkie, "Moonbeam City" goes overboard with the stuff. But it's just not that funny. I know full well that I'm judging the series based solely on the pilot, so I'm hoping to check back in later in the season and see some improvement. If the writers find their groove, this might work.

5/10

Off the bat YES it's like an Archer clone. But c'mon, how many of those do you see around? Secondly, it's like Archer Vice, which in my opinion was their best season, but this one is Archer Vice, literally, figuratively on crack, without pants, or care, eating a hotdog dripping onto a Carl's fat stomach, may he rest in peace with Meatwad.

This show is extremely funny. Will they keep it up? Only time will tell like every single comedy ever made.

First episode is very strong, clearly another show that gives no F**********s. Rob Lowe fit absolutely perfectly and quite obviously as Dazzle Novak. But I think the crown jewel here is Will Forte's Rad Cunningham. This guy was glorious as usual.

Anyone who likes Archer should quiet down, as they are on a downhill slope at the moment, until they bring back Archer Vice, this will do. Plus it's great to have options!

I really, really wanted this to be good. Great stars are combined with a beautiful aesthetic. It has a "Metalocalypse" vibe to the character artwork and animation, and I love the send-up of 80s pseudo-haute design and buddy cop show serialization.

The trouble is this: it's not funny. Guest stars like Adam West and Patrick Warburton help a bit, but the lines the main characters speak from episode to episode have a sort of disconnection to them. The plot of each episode seem like a good premise, but once it gets going, I'm disappointed. The shows just don't "pop". About 5 minutes into each one, I would say to myself, "Okay, this looks like this will be the one to hit its stride," and it just never happens.

It feels like none of the actors were in the same studio at the same time to read when I watch Moonbeam City. I half expect Rob Lowe to just say, "Ann Perkins!" at some point. Will Forte is wasted here.. even the attempt to really develop his character in one episode feels half-hearted. However, Elizabeth Banks and Kate Mara both have moments throughout the series so far with Rob Lowe that make me pine for more- especially after the third episode.

I'm very disappointed up to this point. I hope things change in season two because there are a lot of really good ingredients here. It would be a shame for the recipe to stay so bland.

A lot of people immediately wrote this show off based on the pilot alone calling it an Archer knock off. Both shows star an attractive, bumbling male lead and honestly, that's about where the similarities end. I love Archer, but I LOVE Moonbeam city. The show has no desire to have grounded story lines and delivers a clever, entertaining way to kill a half-hour.

If you haven't seen the show or stopped after the first episode give it a shot and really stick til at least the third episode and then build your own opinion separate from the deluge of Archer fans smashing on a completely separate show. The fan favourite is Episode 3, but so far my two favourites are Episode Two and Five.

Amazing show that really deserves a chance. If every show was judged solely on it's Pilot than Archer and Seinfeld never would have existed.

Hi my name is Josh an I recently started watching Moonbeam City about a week ago. I'll be honest I thought this would be a awful idiotic show that only last about 10 episodes and that it was just a spin off of Ugly Americans. But once again I've judged a book by its cover or in this case show. At first I thought it would be stupid because it look like one of those TV shows about a neo futuristic city whose protagonist was very weird.Honestly the show is pretty good, but I feel like it's the type of show you would see on Adult swim than Comedy Central. Anyway, for the people who have seen the commercials, trailers, or even read my comment an our curious about the show I recommend it but if you don't like the first episodes try the next ones they're all good it just depends on your opinion. The overall plot is hilarious because it involves "Dazzle Novak" the top cop in the Moonbeam Police Force whose is narcissistic and incompetent at his job but is a funny protagonist when he parties, fights, and holds raves. He always in competition with his Rival Rad and cursed out by his Police Chief Pizazz Miller. I really appreciate how interesting the show is with their advance technology, constant parties, sexual comedy, and the constant hazing of Rad. I personally like all the episodes except for #4 but that's just my personal opinion, however it was cool that Patrick Warburton guest star.

One can see the similarities between Archer and this show but one could also see the similarities in this show with every other show which uses failure as the theme such as The Venture Brothers, Frisky Dingo, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, or Always Sunny in Philadelphia to name a few.

All of the characters are independently likable and unlikable as they are meant to be. The main characters of the show all show traits of inadequacy and incompetence in a fictitious world that seemingly doesn't know any better. Everyone in the show wishes to be unaccountable for their actions but there are times when they will admit their faults and give credit to the right person. Success is found in subtle short supply as expected in a show of this nature.

The show uses 80's style featuring neon lights, lasers, music, and clothing with a very well done and unique artistic expression. It is as if the 80's never left us and this is how it could be in today's time. Mid-season you get an explanation as to why and how the world is this way. Throughout the entirety of the season we are presented with enough exposition and back stories to each character to give a strong starting point for a second season.

I was hooked from the very first episode and found myself yearning for more. Having seen the 10th episode I assume it is the last of the season and have high hopes it will get another season.

Why is this show not like Archer, you may be asking yourself. Archer is a worldwide known super spy with a large set of skills that make him one. Archer's attitude is as such because he is at the top of his career and feels that everyone should respect him without question due to that. Dazzle, the main protagonist in Moonbeam City, is a barely known or remembered city police officer with few if any skills who shamelessly promotes himself regardless of whether or not he is any good at what he does. Some might see relative attitudes from the other characters in the show but none of them share similar traits. The perceived similarities result in the positions of power people are in rather than the character they are acting as.

Having watched this show too late, it was unfortunate how much I found myself loving the show, but knowing it was already canceled. The humor is a wonderful combination of absurdity, word play, and tropes. The art style is fantastic and really draws you into the unique world. There is also a wonderful level of detail in the the animation with visual gags being hidden throughout each episode.

and not especially funny. Nagels estate should sue. But yea, comes off as a glitzy, stylized ARCHER. Nagel was a famous 80's artist whose best known work is the cover of DURAN DURANs "RIO". Same exact style. Plus the men are drawn like super fey male models.

Archer is a well drawn and thought out program, with stylistic art and good stories. while this is just shameless attempt to cash in on another program.

Not good. I know comedy central is hard up. But they should not have bothered with this. And the ultra sexy girls are drawn to get the right demographic

I watched the entire season although some episodes weren't as good as others they were all pretty funny. The animation was excellent, I believe it got nominated because of it and the music was great as well and really fit into the theme. I've heard many people compare the show to archer but they are completely different shows with their own style of comedy and style and I personally believe that this one does a much better job at pacing there episodes than archer has. I feel like the show was just discovering who it was in the second half of the season. It really needed more episodes like episode five where it really shows you how funny it can be. Although it was canceled I would have really liked to see a second season.

What a beautiful movie! I loved this and will watch it again and again.

"Moonbeam City," created by Scott Gairdner and released in 2015 on Adult Swim, is a retro-futuristic animated comedy series that follows the adventures of a group of quirky characters in a small town called Moonbeam City. The series stars Dana Snyder, Tara Strong, and Roger Craig Smith as the main characters, who are joined by a diverse cast of eccentric individuals.

The show begins with the introduction of Moonbeam City, a town that appears to be stuck in the 1950s, but with a twist of science fiction elements. The characters include a detective, a scientist, and a group of teenagers who find themselves entangled in various bizarre situations.

The series' animation style is reminiscent of classic cartoons from the 1950s and 1960s, with a modern twist. The writing is sharp and witty, often playing on the absurdity of the characters' situations and the retro-futuristic setting. The voice acting is top-notch, with Dana Snyder delivering a standout performance as the detective, Sam Star.

The show's episodes are short, ranging from 11 to 15 minutes, making it perfect for binge-watching. The series' fast-paced nature keeps viewers entertained, with each episode ending on a cliffhanger.

"Moonbeam City" is a must-watch for fans of retro-futuristic comedies and animated series. The show's unique style, talented cast, and sharp writing make it a standout in the genre.

Rating: 8/10.