Watch Central Park

Central Park is an animated musical comedy series that premiered on the streaming service Apple TV+ in May of 2020. Created by Loren Bouchard, the show follows the Tillerman family, who live and work in Central Park in New York City. The family consists of patriarch Owen, a park manager, his wife Paige, a journalist, and their two children, Molly and Cole.

The voice cast of the series features a number of talented actors, including Tituss Burgess, who plays Cole, Daveed Diggs, who plays a busker named Helen, and Josh Gad, who voices the villainous Bitsy Brandenham. Other notable cast members include Leslie Odom Jr., Kristen Bell, Stanley Tucci, and Kathryn Hahn.

At its core, Central Park is a show about family and community. Each episode follows the Tillermans as they navigate various challenges and conflicts that arise within the park and the city. Whether it's Owen trying to protect the park from developers, Paige investigating a corrupt city official, or Molly and Cole dealing with their personal struggles, the show always finds a way to tie everything back to the importance of connection and support.

One of the standout elements of Central Park is its use of music. Each episode features original songs that range from ballads to rap battles to showstopping ensemble numbers. The music is written by a team including Bouchard, Gad, and a number of talented Broadway composers and lyricists. The songs are at once catchy, funny, and moving, providing a unique and engaging way to explore the characters and their emotions.

Visually, the show is also quite stunning. The animation style is bright, colorful, and whimsical, with a level of detail and personality that is often absent from other animated series. The park is rendered in exquisite detail, with each tree, bench, and pathway feeling like a fully-realized world in its own right. The characters are similarly well-designed, with unique features and expressions that make them stand out in a crowded field of animated shows.

One of the key themes of the show is the idea of ownership. Bitsy, the main antagonist, seeks to take over Central Park and turn it into a giant condominium complex, while the Tillermans see it as their home and a vital part of the community. This conflict drives much of the early episodes, and the show does a great job of exploring the question of who gets to claim public spaces and why.

Another key aspect of the show is its representation of diverse communities. The Tillermans are a mixed-race family, and the show incorporates a wide range of characters from various racial and ethnic backgrounds. The show also tackles issues like economic inequality, gentrification, and police brutality, providing a nuanced and thoughtful exploration of these complex topics.

Despite its many strengths, the show is not without its flaws. Some of the jokes and musical numbers can feel overly cheesy or forced, and some of the conflicts are resolved a bit too neatly. Additionally, the show does not shy away from sentimentality and can occasionally veer into saccharine territory.

Overall, however, Central Park is a delightful and heartwarming show that is well worth a watch. Its combination of humor, music, and thoughtful social commentary make it a standout addition to the crowded landscape of animated series. Whether you're a musical theater fan or just looking for a fun and engaging family show, Central Park has something for everyone.

Central Park is a series that ran for 3 seasons (39 episodes) between May 29, 2020 and on Apple TV+