Mulligan
Mulligan is an American adult animated apocalyptic sitcom that premiered on Netflix in two parts, with a total of 20 episodes. Created by Sam Means and Robert Carlock, the series follows Matty Mulligan, a working-class hero who accidentally saves Earth from an alien invasion. Tasked with rebuilding human society in the ruins of Washington, D.C., Mulligan and a diverse group of survivors grapple with the absurdities of governance, resource scarcity, and social reconstruction in a post-apocalyptic world. The show employs a satirical lens to lampoon contemporary political and social issues. The series targets an adult audience, evident in its TV-14 rating, which reflects content descriptors such as fear, language, smoking, and substances. Its humor is often crude and irreverent, touching on sensitive topics like religion, politics, gender, and race through broad comedic strokes. While the premise offers a unique take on societal reboot, critical and audience reception has been mixed, with some finding the satire uneven or lacking depth. Parents considering this media should be aware of its mature themes and content, including satirical commentary that may be critical of established institutions and beliefs. The animation style does not mitigate the adult nature of the humor and subject matter, making it more suitable for older teenagers and adults capable of discerning its satirical intent.
Concerns
Disrespect & Rebellion
HighDisrespect and rebellion are central comedic and satirical themes in Mulligan. The show's premise, with an unqualified leader and a society in disarray, inherently promotes an environment where authority figures and societal norms are frequently challenged, mocked, and subverted.
The central character, Matty Mulligan, is an 'unassuming' working-class individual accidentally elevated to president, leading to constant questioning and undermining of his authority by other survivors and the chaotic state of the new government. The show broadly 'makes fun of it: war, politics, religion, race, conspiracy theories, sex, gender, pageants, etc.', demonstrating a pervasive satirical disrespect for established institutions and societal expectations.
Anti-Christian Themes
HighThe series explicitly targets religion, particularly Christianity, for comedic mockery and criticism. Reviews highlight 'crude elements targeting religion' and note that jokes are 'specifically aimed at Christianity' during certain episodes, such as an Easter-themed one.
Reviews indicate the presence of 'crude elements targeting religion' within the show's comedic content. Furthermore, an 'Easter-themed episode' is singled out for its specific criticism and mockery of religion in general, with 'most of the jokes specifically aimed at Christianity.'
LGBTQ & Gender Identity
MediumThe series incorporates LGBTQ+ themes through its alien species, which are depicted as hermaphroditic and engage in what are described as 'seemingly same-sex relationships.' While not human characters, this introduces concepts of non-binary gender identity and non-traditional relationships within the show's fictional universe.
The invading alien species are portrayed as hermaphroditic, possessing both male and female reproductive organs, which is a foundational aspect of their biology that challenges binary gender norms. Consequently, the aliens exhibit 'seemingly same-sex relationships' where 'males' are capable of laying eggs, presenting a non-traditional approach to reproduction and partnerships.
Violence
MediumMulligan features comedic violence consistent with an adult animated sitcom. This includes depictions of mass death during the initial alien invasion, character-on-character slapstick, and some instances of body harm, generally without graphic gore but in a cartoonish, exaggerated manner.
During the alien invasion, many people are shown being 'blown up or consumed by fire or sometimes just vaporized,' indicating widespread destruction and comedic fatalities. Post-invasion, Matty Mulligan is depicted chopping off 'the arm of the sole surviving alien (the general of the invasion force),' a specific act of dismemberment, albeit in an animated context.
Romance and Sexual Content
MediumThe show includes suggestive romantic and sexual content. Characters frequently discuss sex and engage in heavy making out. While explicit nudity is absent, some characters are shown in minimal clothing, contributing to a suggestive atmosphere.
Characters within the series 'talk about sex' openly and engage in 'make out heavily,' including both human and animal characters, indicating a moderate level of suggestive physical intimacy. Although 'no nudity' is present, characters are 'sometimes drawn with little clothing,' implying revealing attire rather than explicit bareness.
Profanity
MediumThe series contains harsh language, which is a common characteristic of adult animated comedies. This includes misuses of religious terms, such as God's name, often paired with other expletives.
Reviewers have noted the presence of 'harsh language' throughout the series. Specific instances include 'misuses of God’s name paired with “d–n,”' indicating irreverent and strong language.
Substance Use
MediumThe TV-14 rating for Mulligan specifically includes 'smoking' and 'substances' as content descriptors. This indicates that the show depicts characters using tobacco products and potentially other substances, contributing to a mature content profile.
The official Netflix TV-14 content rating for 'Mulligan' explicitly lists 'smoking' as a specific content warning. Additionally, the rating includes 'substances,' indicating that the series features depictions or references to drug or alcohol use.
Scary & Intense Content
MediumThe series, set in a post-apocalyptic world following a devastating alien invasion, inherently contains intense and potentially frightening scenarios. The TV-14 rating includes 'fear' as a content descriptor, signifying the presence of suspenseful or anxiety-inducing elements, even within its comedic framework.
The foundational premise of the show is a 'devastating alien invasion that destroys most of Earth,' establishing an intense and dangerous setting. The official TV-14 rating for the series includes 'fear' as a content warning, directly addressing the presence of elements that may be scary or intense.
Witchcraft & Occult
LowThere is no evidence from available content reviews or plot summaries to suggest the presence of witchcraft, sorcery, occult practices, magic rituals, demons, or overt supernatural themes beyond the initial alien invasion scenario.
The core narrative focuses on the satirical challenges of political and social reconstruction following an alien invasion, without incorporating elements of magical or occult practices into its storyline or character development. Character roles are grounded in comedic exaggerations of everyday professions and personalities (e.g., a 'super scientist,' a historian), with no indication of supernatural abilities or involvement in occult themes.
Other Notes
Target Demographic
TV-14 (Parents Strongly Cautioned). This recommendation is due to frequent crude humor, strong language, satirical content that can be irreverent towards various social and religious themes, comedic violence, and suggestive romantic/sexual elements. The show's mature themes and satirical approach require a level of discernment generally found in older teenagers and adults.
Additional Notes
The series maintains a consistent tone and thematic approach across its two parts (often referred to as Season 1 and Season 2), with no significant escalation or deviation in content concerns. Parents should be aware that the satirical nature extends to sensitive topics, which may be perceived as offensive depending on individual values. The show is designed for mature audiences who can interpret its comedic and critical commentary.
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