Started September 15, 2017 · Canceled · Based on 2 seasons, 16 episodes through September 14, 2018 · TV-MA
American Vandal follows Peter Maldonado and Sam Ecklund, two high school students who make true-crime documentaries. In season one, they investigate who drew penises on twenty-seven teachers’ cars after Dylan Maxwell is expelled. In season two, they investigate a laxative attack and other disgusting pranks at a wealthy Catholic school. The show uses serious crime-documentary style to tell rude and often sad school stories.
The show gives some attention to racism, classism, bullying, social status, and unfair school punishment. Season two more clearly questions wealthy schools, sports power, and the way adults judge students. These ideas are tied to social media, public shame, and the pressure to look perfect online. The show does not center its story on identity politics, queer themes, or direct activist speeches.
Community feedback
Was our 21% Woke rating accurate?
Breakdown
These are the editorial factors and ratings behind our score for American Vandal.
Woke representation / casting
Not present in this title.
0%
Woke political dialogue
Not present in this title.
0%
Identity-driven story themes
Season two directly discusses racism, classism, bullying, and social isolation among students. The story shows how wealth and school status can shape how people are treated. The show connects these problems to online identity and public shame. These themes matter to the plot, but they do not become a constant activist message.
18%
Western institutional / cultural critique
The show questions school leaders who punish students quickly and protect the school’s image. Season two shows a wealthy Catholic school giving special value to its basketball program and top athletes. The story also shows adults and police pushing students toward unfair confessions. The criticism is clear, but it stays focused on school power and student justice.
24%
Woke character or canon changes
Not present in this title.
0%
Anti-woke backlash and complaints
Not present in this title.
0%
Creator track record context
Jaboukie Young-White is a co-writer with an openly queer and activist public profile. The show includes some themes about social power, unfair treatment, and identity online. The other key creators have little known activist or identity-focused history. The overall creator context is therefore limited.
18%
Production
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