Lamorne Morris is currently in the middle of a massive "prestige era," transitioning from the "adorkable" prankster Winston on New Girl to an Emmy-winning powerhouse in Fargo and a key player in the gritty world of Spider-Noir—which means while your kids might know his voice from a certain orange cat movie, his best work is often tucked away in TV-MA territory.
TL;DR: The Lamorne Morris Watchlist
- For the Little Kids: The Garfield Movie (Ages 6+)
- For the Tweens/Teens: New Girl (Ages 12+) and Unstable (Ages 13+)
- For the Older Teens (and You): Spider-Noir (Ages 14+) and Fargo (Ages 17+)
- The "Parental Sanity" Pick: Saturday Night (Ages 16+)
If you spent any time on Netflix between 2011 and 2018, you know Lamorne as Winston Bishop. For a long time, he was the guy who was "bad at pranks" and obsessed with his cat, Ferguson. It’s the kind of character that launched a thousand memes and made him a household name for anyone under 40.
But here’s the thing for parents: New Girl has become a massive "comfort show" for Gen Z and Gen Alpha. It’s the show they put on while doing homework or scrolling TikTok. While it’s generally safe for the 12+ crowd, it deals with "adulting" in a way that’s very frank about dating, drinking, and career failures. Lamorne is the heart of that show, and his comedic timing is basically a masterclass for kids who want to understand how "cringe" humor can actually be wholesome.
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In 2026, Lamorne isn't just "the guy from that one show." He’s a legitimate Emmy winner who has successfully jumped into the two biggest genres in the world: Animation and Superheroes.
If you have elementary-aged kids, they’ve heard him. He voiced Reuben in the 2024 Garfield flick. It’s a low-stakes, high-slapstick movie that’s perfect for a rainy Saturday. It doesn't have the "brain rot" quality of some YouTube-originated content; it’s just solid, professional voice acting in a movie that’s safe for pretty much everyone.
This is the big one. As we move through 2026, the hype for the live-action Spider-Noir series is everywhere. Lamorne plays Robbie Robertson, a legendary journalist in the Marvel universe.
Parents, take note: This isn't the bright, poppy Spider-Man your kids might expect from the MCU. It’s set in 1930s New York, it’s shot with a noir aesthetic, and it’s leaning into a more mature, hard-boiled detective vibe. If your 10-year-old is obsessed with Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, they’re going to want to see this. Just be prepared for a show that’s likely going to be rated TV-14 or even TV-MA for violence and "period-accurate" grit.
If you’re looking for something to watch after the kids are in bed, Lamorne’s recent run is incredible, but it’s definitely not for the family dinner table.
- Fargo (Season 5): Lamorne plays Deputy Witt Farr. He’s arguably the only "pure" hero in a very dark, very violent season. He won an Emmy for this for a reason—he brings a grounded, quiet dignity to a show that is usually chaotic. It’s a great watch for parents, but keep it away from the kids unless they are 17+ and can handle intense domestic thriller themes and gore.
- Saturday Night: In this film about the first-ever episode of SNL, Lamorne plays the legendary Garrett Morris. It’s a fast-paced, stressful, and hilarious look at TV history. It’s rated R, mostly for language and drug use, but for older teens interested in theater or comedy history, it’s a phenomenal "cool parent" recommendation.
Lamorne Morris is a great example of a "career pivot" that we can actually talk to our kids about. In a world where kids think being a "creator" means doing one thing forever, Lamorne shows the value of range.
He went from a BET host to a sitcom star, to a voice actor, to a serious dramatic actor. If your kid is into drama club or digital media production, looking at his career is a great way to talk about versatility. He didn't get stuck being "Winston" forever; he used that platform to build something bigger.
- On Character Growth: "Winston on New Girl started out as a pretty normal guy and became the weirdest person in the loft. Why do you think the writers did that? Does it make him more or less relatable?"
- On Genre: "How is the 'Noir' version of Spider-Man different from the one we see in The Avengers? Why do we like seeing the same characters in different styles?"
- On Representation: Lamorne has been vocal about wanting to play characters that aren't just "the Black best friend." How does his role in Fargo or Spider-Noir break those old Hollywood stereotypes?
While Lamorne himself is incredibly likable and generally keeps a clean public image, his projects are all over the map in terms of maturity.
- Check the "Vibe" of the Show: Just because he’s in it doesn't mean it’s a comedy. Fargo is a heavy drama. Woke (his Hulu series) is a satirical take on social justice and systemic racism that involves a lot of adult language and themes.
- The "New Girl" Factor: If your middle schooler is bingeing New Girl, just know there are episodes about "True American" (a drinking game) and plenty of sexual innuendo. It’s "network TV" safe, but it’s not Bluey.
- The 2026 Context: With Spider-Noir being a flagship show this year, expect a lot of merchandise and YouTube clips. If you have younger kids, you might want to pre-screen the trailers, as the 1930s noir setting can be a bit spooky or intense for the under-10 crowd.
Q: Is New Girl appropriate for a 10-year-old? It depends on your family’s boundaries, but generally, it’s better for ages 12 and up. While it’s a comedy, the plotlines often revolve around dating, sex, and drinking, which might go over a 10-year-old’s head or lead to some awkward questions.
Q: What is the Spider-Noir series rated? As of early 2026, it’s targeting a TV-14 rating. It’s much darker and more violent than the standard Spider-Man: Homecoming vibe, focusing more on detective work and underground crime.
Q: Did Lamorne Morris really win an Emmy? Yes! He won the Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited Series in 2024 for his role in Fargo. It was a huge moment that solidified his transition from "sitcom guy" to "serious actor."
Q: What’s the best Lamorne Morris project for a family movie night? Hands down, it’s The Garfield Movie. It’s the only project in his recent filmography that is specifically designed for all ages without any "edge" to worry about.
Lamorne Morris is one of the most talented and versatile actors working today. Whether your kids are discovering him through memes, animation, or the Marvel universe, he’s a creator worth following. Just make sure you’re checking the ratings before you hit "play" on his more recent dramatic work—because the man who voiced a cartoon cat can also hold his own in some of the most intense dramas on TV.
- If your teen loves New Girl, suggest they check out Unstable on Netflix for a similar "workplace comedy" vibe.
- If you’re interested in his more serious work, start with Fargo (Season 5), but keep the remote away from the kids.
- Check out our full guide on Marvel's 2026 release schedule to see where Spider-Noir fits in.