Common Sense Media Review
By Melissa Camacho
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Dark but goofy comedic mystery explores millennial culture.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 16+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Search Party
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 1 parent review
What's the Story?
From Michael Showalter, one of the creators Wet Hot American Summer comes SEARCH PARTY, a comedy featuring a gang of self-absorbed New York City 20-somethings who investigate the disappearance of a former acquaintance. Dory (Alia Shawkat) feels stuck in her life. It doesn't help that her former boyfriend Julian (Brandon Micheal Hall) is a successful journalist and her boyfriend Drew (John Reynolds) is boring. But when she learns that Chantal Witherbottom, a college co-ed she barely knew, has gone missing, she suddenly finds herself obsessed with trying to figure out what happened. Although Drew and her narcissistic friends Elliott (John Early) and Portia (Meredith Hagner), are disinterested in Chantal's demise, she manages to get them to help her investigate. As they try to figure out what happened, the mystery just gets weirder.
Is It Any Good?
The dark comedy offers some fun, improvisational moments while telling a story with an interesting plot line. The ensemble cast offers some strong performances, and guest appearances by well-known comedians like Judy Gold and Parker Posey add their own hilarious flair.
Search Party is enjoyable, even though the jokes aren't always as smart or witty as they'd like to be. Nonetheless, it's worth tuning in if you're a fan of quirky comedy.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about mysteries like Search Party. Why are they such a popular form of story? What makes a mystery scary or interesting?
Why is Dory really interested in finding out what happened to Chantal? Is it to help her and her family, or is it for more self-serving reasons?
TV Details
- Premiere date: November 21, 2016
- Cast: Alia Shawkat , John Early , John Reynolds
- Network: TBS
- Genre: Comedy
- TV rating: TV-MA
- Last updated: May 19, 2024
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