Moonbeam City: Comedy Central's 80's Cop Parody

[Broseph Stalin]

I'm kind of surprised this doesn't have a thread already. Pretty sure some people have heard of this show or watched it already, so here's a thread to discuss it if you want to.

Back in September Comedy Central released an Archer ripoff their newest show starring Rob Lowe, that parodies shows like Miami Vice, and has an art style derived from the works of Patrick Nagel. The premise is pretty much follows the exploits of the inept, alcoholic, womanizing, and hypersexual super spy Sterling Archer 80's cop Dazzle Novak, voiced by H. Jon Benjamin Rob Lowe.

I don't really hate the show, but at the same time I don't really love it. I'm kind of in the middle. Personally, I like the show's art style, the 80's cheese, and the synthwave music. But most of the jokes are kind of meh. Quite a few critics have noted the similarities to Archer, and yeah, there are some pretty blatant similarities, including the humor at some points. Archer is witty and funny, but Moonbeam City seems to be witty and only sort of funny at some points. But hey, it's just the first season. It'll probably get better. The animation could use some polishing as well.

So, anyone else see it? Diehard fan already, complete hater, or sort of in the middle like me?

 

[ASoulMan]

OP couldn't have said better than me, even though I've only seen one episode after the yaoi episode of South Park.

I like the art style of the show though.

 

[SteelPlatedHeart]

I've been wanting to check it out for sure based on the previews, but haven't had a chance to yet.

 

[The Fair Lady]

I like the art style, but haven't watched it yet.

From what little I've seen, though, the jokes seem to be hit and miss.

 

[Cosmos]

I like it! I'm not a big fan or anything but I find it entertaining; I'm in the middle, I guess.

Like everyone else I did notice a lot of similarities to Archer. But whereas Archer is a master of rapid-fire jokes (so if one joke misses the mark for you, the next one will quickly win you back), Moonbeam City has a slower style. Which would be fine if more of the jokes landed.

But I think it holds a lot of promise. Rob Lowe's performance alone is enough for me to stick around. Plus, it airs right after South Park.

 

[XYZpdq]

I saw an episode. When the visual style works it's cool.
I bet I'd like it a lot more if it was a few minutes at a time in a Liquid Television type show, similar to my feelings about Kung Fury.

 

[Spooky_Scary]

I'm in the middle too. While I was watching it I thought perhaps at some point, someone on the Archer writing team proposed changing the at style during "Archer: Vice" from what it was in the prior seasons, to making it look like a Patrick Nagel painting came to life. It got shot down, the guy left the team, pitched the idea to Comedy Central and they gave us Moonbeam City.

 

[Zeorus]

I'm in the middle myself. Not as good as Archer or South Park, better than a lot of other animated shows out there. Mrs. Zeo is quickly becoming a big fan, though.

 

[Broseph Stalin]

Streamed last weeks episode online. Sat through Rob Lowe's character having sex with a building. I think I'm done.

 

[darkhorse816]

I love the Ray Nagel style and the music. The show doesn't have a distinct voice. There are some episodes that are legitimately funny, other times it falls flat. I wouldn't say it's a total Archer rip-off, Archer is definitely wittier, and there is a lot more focus on the mission of the week.