Critic Reviews

A lot of it is funny, for sure, but probably not funny enough to justify what's essentially a second Archer. [11 Sep 2015, p.56]

I rather liked it, though for its form possibly more than for its content. (Note: Subsequent episodes improve on the pilot.)

It’s okay, but it’s an acquired taste.

Ersatz animation aside, Moonbeam City lacks a clear comedic point of view because several episodes in, its characters remain cyphers.

Moonbeam City certainly nails the aesthetics of cheapo ’80s cartoons and the cadence of bad cop dramas, but its jokes are weak and repetitive, coasting on their delivery by a voice cast full of celebrities.

Ultimately, though, the series--making its debut behind “South Park,” which features a Caitlyn Jenner-themed episode to kick off its 19th season--can’t maintain the initial burst of energy that its design and ‘80s-inspired opening titles convey, and settles for being puerile as opposed to consistently clever.

The show is a more-forced-than-usual exercise in pop-cultural satire, featuring character names reminiscent of “My Little Pony” (Dazzle, Pizazz, Chrysalis, Rad) and dialogue that tries so hard you can see it sweat.

Individually and in aggregate, the gags stretch with their whole being toward silliness like plants toward the sun. Moonbeam City is an exercise in the sort of dumb--weapons-grade, analysis-resistant--it takes MENSA-levels of intellect to achieve.