American Vandal -

Premise:
“American Vandal” is a mockumentary series that parodies true-crime documentaries. The show starts by focusing on a high school vandalism case where 27 faculty cars were spray-painted with phallic images. Dylan Maxwell (played by Jimmy Tatro) is accused of the crime, and two aspiring young documentarians, Peter Maldonado (Tyler Alvarez) and Sam Ecklund (Griffin Gluck), take it upon themselves to investigate the truth. Each season takes on a new case, with the second season dealing with a mysterious figure known as “The Turd Burglar.”

Themes:
The series expertly balances humor and seriousness, offering a satirical look at the true-crime genre while also delving into the complexities of adolescence, public perception, and the repercussions of criminal accusations on young lives. It’s a study in how easily facts can be manipulated, and it cautions against the rush to judgment.

Critical Consensus Rating: 4.5/5
“American Vandal” has received critical acclaim for its smart, nuanced take on the true-crime genre, as well as its insightful observations about teen life in the digital age. However, the crude subject matter is not for everyone, and some critics felt that the humor might distract from the underlying social commentary.

TV Parental Guidelines Rating: TV-MA
The show is rated TV-MA for its explicit content, language, and themes that are specifically tailored for mature audiences.

Broadcast Information:
The series originally aired on Netflix for two seasons from 2017 to 2018.

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