My Dad the Bounty Hunter explained

Genre:
  • Sci-fi
  • Action-comedy
Creator:
  • Everett Downing Jr.
  • Patrick Harpin
Story:Juston Gordon-Montgomery
Creative Director:Alex Konstad
Voices:
Composer:Joshua Mosley
Country:United States
Language:English
Runtime:22 minutes
Num Seasons:2
Num Episodes:19
Executive Producer:
  • Everett Downing Jr.
  • Patrick Harpin
Network:Netflix

My Dad the Bounty Hunter is an American animated science fiction adventure action-comedy television series by Everett Downing Jr. and Patrick Harpin for Netflix.[1] The series premiered on February 9, 2023.[2] Season 2 premiered on August 17, 2023.[3]

The series received positive reviews for its relatable story, likable characters, social commentary, and portrayal of Black families. The first season was released in its entirety on February 9, 2023.[4]

The series was cancelled after two seasons.[5]

Premise

The series follows the story of Terry, who is followed by his kids, Lisa and Sean, who learn he is a bounty hunter, and drawn into a space adventure of sorts.[6] [7]

Cast

Main

Villians

Guest role

Episodes

Season 2 (2023)

Production and release

On October 29, 2020, Netflix announced that My Dad the Bounty Hunter had begun development.[11] [12] At the time of the announcement, Polygon called it a "family-friendly take on The Mandalorian and said the show is "backed by a ton of Black talent".[13]

The series was given an order for a 10-episode first season. The series came together after Downing Jr. and Harpin met at Sony Pictures Animation Studio, with Downing Jr. telling him that he wanted to do a story "with a Black family at the center as a love letter to my family", and they connected on "how real" 1980s sci-fi films were.[14] The series was animated by the French animation studio, Dwarf Animation,[15] Shakira Pressley was a writer for the series, as was Downing Jr. and Harpin. According to Rolling Stone, the series had a majority-Black writers room, which included writer Tomi Adeyemi, and is "a completely original story" rather than a IP.[16] Juston Gordon-Montgomery was the story editor for the series, along with Alex Konstad as art director, and Andrew Chesworth as character design supervisor.[17]

Before the show's premiere, Harpin told Animation Magazine that the show was crafted with the daughter of Downing Jr. behind, but was visually and narratively interesting to young fans, with an aesthetic reminiscent of Alien and The Last Starfighter which he and Downing Jr. liked. In the same interview, Downing Jr. stated that the show's production designer Yuki Demers was instrumental in the show's design, and that he was shown photographs of Black men and women to make sure the character designs were accurate. Harpin and Downing Jr. further argued that show's "cinematic approach to storytelling" was important, and that they encouraged "intentionally cinematic style" so that the storyboarders and animators could be more creative. Both also noted they discovered "unique opportunities" for the show's team during "quarantine and beyond", and praised interconnectivity of those working on the show.

In another interview with TV Insider, Harpin said they wanted to use 2D animation but it made more financial sense to do the series in 3D animation because they "wouldn't have to build all those sets", but kept flashbacks in 2D. Downing Jr. noted the importance of casting and that they wanted Priah to voice a character, while Harpin noted the challenges of recording lines because of the COVID-19 pandemic.[18] Harpin and Downing Jr. also emphasized the importance of their show not talking down to kids, but in remaining honest and true, giving characters flaws. When asked about season 2, Downing Jr. said that they would like to "focus on mom" and give her "a shot in the captain's seat."

A trailer for the series was released on November 16, 2022.[19] A second trailer was posted on January 12, 2023.[20] [21] [22] The first season premiered on Netflix on February 9, 2023.[23]

In an interview with the LA Times after the season one premiere, Downing Jr. and Patrick Harpin said that the show's inspiration "is personal", noted the family dynamics in the series and sci-fi influences including The Fifth Element, Star Wars, Outland, and "wild '80s stuff for kids". They also noted that the Conglomerate in the show is like the "space colonialism" written about by Frank Herbert.[24] Harpin also told Rolling Stone that films like The Brother from Another Planet, The Incredibles, and Attack the Block were an influence on the series while both show creators said that The Goonies and E.T. were further inspirations. The voice actors Ferguson, Swainn, Orji, and Alonso also supported a possible live-action adaptation of the series.

In March 2023, Kai Akari, a director for the series, told Animation Magazine that many of on the show's crew are "now treasured friends" and was grateful to have relationships with those Akari worked with previously "on other projects".[25]

The second season premiered on August 17, 2023.

Reception

The series received generally positive reviews from critics. The review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes reported a 100% approval rating with an average rating of 8.1/10 based on six critics.[26]

Megan Jordan of Rolling Stone argued that the series is an "Afrofuturist marvel" which tells a futuristic and relatable story that "center[s] Black characters while expanding the audience's imagination", provides thoughts of what the world could be "in true Black sci-fi fashion", and normalizes "Black heroism for future generations".[27] Kenneth Seward Jr. of IGN described the series as a "delightfully charming, family-friendly space adventure" and an "action-packed romp through space" complete with corny moments, and "a slew of likable characters." He added that the series also hints at "various systemic issues" including forced labor, corrupt corporations, and the line between "willful ignorance and outright compliance".[28] Max Gao of The A.V. Club described the series as an example of the "intergenerational appeal of high-quality animation", including callbacks and nods to "classic sci-fi films", and has a "positive portrayal of a loving Black family...and doesn't shy away from injecting bits of social commentary".[29]

Karuna Sharma of Meaww described the series as setting the bar for "great animation and an even greater storyline", and praised the series for visualizing each emotion of the characters and called it a "great learning curve for children" who can see the show's world "in all its color and glory".[30] Julie Sprankles of Scarry Mommy said that the series "channels the space adventure vibes from our childhoods", stated that the series is meaningful by "center[ing]...a Black family", and is grounded in "modern family dynamics".[31] Diondra Brown of Common Sense Media described the series as "funny", with a "star-studded and diverse cast", and having some storylines with "mild violence and danger" but doesn't avoid "discussing important topics" and concluded it was an "absolutely fun watch for the whole family".[32]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Nealy. Devin. 'My Dad the Bounty Hunter': Meet the New Space-Age Family. Animation Magazine. February 1, 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230202012325/https://www.animationmagazine.net/2023/02/my-dad-the-bounty-hunter-meet-the-new-space-age-family/. February 2, 2023. February 16, 2023. live.
  2. Web site: Stetson. Mark. 'My Dad the Bounty Hunter' — Everything you need to know. Mashable. February 10, 2023. February 16, 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230213214618/https://mashable.com/video/my-dad-the-bounty-hunter-netflix. February 13, 2023. live.
  3. Web site: My Dad the Bounty Hunter Listings . The Futon Critic . August 19, 2023 . https://ghostarchive.org/archive/yjNmN . August 19, 2023 . live.
  4. Web site: Tyrell. Caitlin. My Dad The Bounty Hunter Cast Dive Into The World Of New Netflix Show. Screen Rant. February 9, 2023. February 16, 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230209161951/https://screenrant.com/my-dad-the-bounty-hunter-netflix-clip/. February 9, 2023. live.
  5. Web site: Netflix’s 'My Dad the Bounty Hunter' Lost in Space with "No Plans" for Season 3. Animation Magazine. June 14, 2024. June 14, 2024.
  6. Web site: Cast of 'My Dad The Bounty Hunter' on Black Representation in Sci-Fi—EUR Video Exclusive. Eurweb. February 15, 2023. February 16, 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230216083334/https://eurweb.com/2023/my-dad-the-bounty-hunter-video-exclusive/. February 16, 2023. live.
  7. Web site: Sharma. Karuna. 'My Dad the Bounty Hunter': 5 best animated shows on Netflix you need to watch before space series drops. Meaww. February 7, 2023. February 16, 2023. https://archive.today/20230217012153/https://meaww.com/my-dad-the-bounty-hunter-from-bojack-horseman-to-disenchantment-best-animated-netflix-shows. February 17, 2023. live.
  8. Web site: Oddo. Marco Vito. 'My Dad the Bounty Hunter' Trailer Makes Catching Space Criminals a Family Business. Collider. November 16, 2022. February 16, 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230115115049/https://collider.com/my-dad-the-bounty-hunter-trailer-netflix/. January 15, 2023. live.
  9. Web site: Milligan. Mercedes. 'My Dad the Bounty Hunter' Official Trailer & New Images Blast Off. Animation Magazine. January 12, 2023. February 16, 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230123202630/https://www.animationmagazine.net/2023/01/my-dad-the-bounty-hunter-official-trailer-new-images-blast-off/. January 23, 2023. live.
  10. Web site: Murrell. Morgan. Priah Ferguson On Her New Series "My Dad The Bounty Hunter" And Seeing More Black Faces In Sci-Fi. BuzzFeed. February 14, 2023. February 16, 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230214205313/https://www.buzzfeed.com/morganmurrell/priah-ferguson-my-dad-bounty-hunter-interview. February 14, 2023. live.
  11. Web site: Williams. Tommy. Netflix Announces New Animated Family Series MY DAD THE BOUNTY HUNTER. GeekTyrant. 2020. February 16, 2023. https://archive.today/20230217012339/https://geektyrant.com/news/netflix-announces-new-animated-family-series-my-dad-the-bounty-hunter. February 17, 2023. live.
  12. Web site: Kanter. Jake. Oscar-Winning Animator Everett Downing Creates Netflix Series 'My Dad The Bounty Hunter'. Deadline. October 29, 2020. February 16, 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230209111332/https://deadline.com/2020/10/everett-downing-creates-netflix-series-my-dad-the-bounty-hunter-1234605509/. February 9, 2023. live.
  13. Web site: Marshall. Cass. Netflix's new animated series has major Mandalorian vibes. Polygon. October 30, 2020. February 16, 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20220123115333/https://www.polygon.com/2020/10/30/21540544/netflix-my-dad-bounty-hunter-animated-show-star-wars. January 23, 2022. live.
  14. Web site: Murphy. Jackson. INTERVIEW With "My Dad The Bounty Hunter" Duo. Animation Scoop. February 2, 2023. February 16, 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230217034321/https://www.animationscoop.com/interview-with-my-dad-the-bounty-hunter-duo/. February 17, 2023. live.
  15. Web site: Lang . Jamie . June 22, 2020 . Behind The Scenes Of Netflix's 'My Dad the Bounty Hunter' At Dwarf Animation Studio – Video Exclusive . February 16, 2023 . . en-US . https://web.archive.org/web/20220622012334/https://www.cartoonbrew.com/series/my-dad-bounty-hunter-studio-visit-217884.html . June 22, 2022 . live.
  16. Web site: First Look: Netflix Animation Spotlights Upcoming Shows at Annecy. Animation Magazine. June 13, 2022. February 16, 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20230217034107/https://www.animationmagazine.net/2022/06/first-look-netflix-animation-spotlights-upcoming-shows-at-annecy/. February 17, 2023. live.
  17. Web site: Davis. Victoria. 'My Dad the Bounty Hunter': Representation Beneath the Skin. AWN. February 8, 2023. February 16, 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230210013008/https://www.awn.com/animationworld/my-dad-bounty-hunter-representation-beneath-skin. February 10, 2023. live.
  18. Web site: Fishman. Scott. 'My Dad the Bounty Hunter' Creators on What Inspired Their New Netflix Animated Series. TV Insider. February 8, 2023. February 16, 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230212003508/https://www.tvinsider.com/1080644/my-dad-the-bounty-hunter-netflix-stranger-things-priah/. February 12, 2023. live.
  19. Web site: Pulliam-Moore. Charles. It's take your kids to space day in My Dad the Bounty Hunter's first teaser trailer. The Verge. November 16, 2022. February 16, 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20221128165321/https://www.theverge.com/2022/11/16/23462875/my-dad-the-bounty-hunter-netflix-teaser-trailer. November 28, 2022. live.
  20. Web site: Billington. Alex. Full Trailer for Awesome Animated Series 'My Dad The Bounty Hunter'. FirstShowing.net. January 12, 2023. February 16, 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230119210155/https://www.firstshowing.net/2023/full-trailer-for-awesome-animated-series-my-dad-the-bounty-hunter/. January 19, 2023. live.
  21. Web site: Massoto. Erick. New 'My Dad The Bounty Hunter' Trailer Reveals a Delightfullly Charming Animated Series. Collider. January 12, 2023. February 16, 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230118010136/https://collider.com/my-dad-the-bounty-hunter-trailer/. January 18, 2023. live.
  22. Paul. Larisha. 'My Dad The Bounty Hunter' Trailer Takes Family Bonds to Outer Space. Rolling Stone. January 12, 2023. February 16, 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230123105755/https://www.rollingstone.com/tv-movies/tv-movie-news/my-dad-the-bounty-hunter-trailer-netflix-1234660234/. January 23, 2023. live.
  23. Web site: Major. Michael. VIDEO: Netflix Releases MY DAD THE BOUNTY HUNTER Trailer. BroadwayWorld. January 12, 2023. February 16, 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230216161347/https://www.broadwayworld.com/bwwtv/article/VIDEO-Netflix-Releases-MY-DAD-THE-BOUNTY-HUNTER-Trailer-20230112. February 16, 2023. live.
  24. News: Brown. Tracy. A new kids show needed 'palpable evil' to work. The answer: a Disney-like conglomerate. LA Times. February 10, 2023. February 16, 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230216030703/https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/tv/story/2023-02-10/netflix-my-dad-the-bounty-hunter-conglomerate-influences-creators. February 16, 2023. live.
  25. Web site: Rising Stars of Animation 2023. Animation Magazine. March 1, 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230308205637/https://www.animationmagazine.net/2023/03/rising-stars-of-animation-2023/. March 8, 2023. live. March 8, 2023.
  26. my_dad_the_bounty_hunter. My Dad the Bounty Hunter. tv. 1. February 16, 2023. y.
  27. Jordan. Megan. Netflix's 'My Dad the Bounty Hunter' Is an Afrofuturist Marvel. February 14, 2023. Rolling Stone. February 16, 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230216085410/https://www.rollingstone.com/tv-movies/tv-movie-features/my-dad-the-bounty-hunter-netflix-animated-afrofuturism-black-family-1234675186/. February 16, 2023. live.
  28. Web site: Seward Jr.. Kenneth. My Dad the Bounty Hunter: Season 1 Review. IGN. January 30, 2023. February 16, 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230216003246/https://www.ign.com/articles/my-dad-the-bounty-hunter-season-1-review. February 16, 2023. live.
  29. Web site: Gao. Max. My Dad The Bounty Hunter review: A sci-fi joyride of a kids' show. The A.V. Club. February 7, 2023. February 16, 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230210131332/https://www.avclub.com/my-dad-the-bounty-hunter-tv-review-netflix-1850080214. February 10, 2023. live.
  30. Web site: Sharma. Karuna. 'My Dad The Bounty Hunter' Review: A sci-fi tale of family ties and exciting joyride into space . Meaww. February 8, 2023. February 16, 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230217025309/https://meaww.com/my-dad-the-bounty-hunter-review-a-sci-fi-tale-of-family-ties-and-exciting-joyride-into-space. February 17, 2023. live.
  31. Web site: Sprankles. Julie. My Dad The Bounty Hunter Is The Latest Show To Prove Representation Matters. Scary Mommy. February 10, 2023. February 16, 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230212055618/https://www.scarymommy.com/entertainment/my-dad-the-bounty-hunter-netflix. February 12, 2023. live.
  32. Web site: Brown. Diondra. My Dad the Bounty Hunter. Common Sense Media. February 9, 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230210003008/https://www.commonsensemedia.org/tv-reviews/my-dad-the-bounty-hunter. February 10, 2023. live.

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