TL;DR: Martin Short is having a massive cultural moment thanks to Only Murders in the Building, making him one of the few comedians your parents, you, and potentially your teens can all agree is hilarious. While his recent hit is definitely for the 12+ crowd due to language and murder-y themes, his catalog is a goldmine of physical comedy that bridges the gap between "boomer humor" and the chaotic energy kids love today.
Quick Links for Family Movie Night:
- Best for all ages: Father of the Bride
- Best for chaotic energy: Three Amigos!
- Best for animation fans: The Willoughbys
- Best for (older) teens: Only Murders in the Building
If you’ve spent any time on Hulu or Disney+ lately, you’ve seen him. At 75, Martin Short is somehow more relevant in 2026 than he was a decade ago. Whether he’s playing the eccentric Oliver Putnam or popping up in viral clips with Steve Martin, Short has managed to escape the "old person" comedy vacuum.
For parents, this is a win. In a world where our kids are watching 15-second clips of "brain rot" or incomprehensible Roblox memes, Martin Short offers something rare: actual craft. He’s a comedic chameleon who specializes in high-energy, physical, and deeply weird characters. He’s basically the human version of a Looney Tune.
But as with any legacy actor, his work spans from "G-rated family fun" to "wait, did he just say that?" This guide is here to help you navigate the Short-verse without accidentally traumatizing your second grader with a Jiminy Glick interview.
The biggest question we get at Screenwise regarding Martin Short is about Only Murders in the Building. It’s cozy, it’s stylish, and it stars Selena Gomez, which is an immediate magnet for Gen Z and Gen Alpha.
The Reality Check: Despite the "cozy mystery" vibes, this is a TV-14 show. The language is surprisingly salty—Selena Gomez and Steve Martin trade F-bombs more often than you’d expect. The themes involve, well, murder, but also loneliness, aging, and complex adult relationships.
If you have a mature 11 or 12-year-old who is into true crime podcasts or enjoys a good "whodunnit," this is a fantastic co-watch. It’s a great way to introduce them to legacy comedy icons without it feeling like a history lesson. But for the elementary school set? It’s going to go over their heads, and the language is likely more than you want them repeating on the playground.
Ask our chatbot for more shows like Only Murders for younger kids
You might think a guy who got his start on SCTV in the late 70s wouldn't resonate with a kid who thinks "Ohio" is an adjective for something weird, but Short’s comedy is universal for a few reasons:
- Physicality: He doesn't just tell jokes; he uses his whole body. Kids who grew up on the physical slapstick of Mr. Beast or high-energy YouTubers actually find his commitment to the bit relatable.
- The "Weird" Factor: Short has never been afraid to look ridiculous. In an era of curated social media perfection, his "Jiminy Glick" or "Ed Grimley" characters feel refreshingly unhinged.
- The Sidekick Energy: He’s the ultimate "Player 2." Whether he’s paired with Steve Martin or an animated cast, he brings an energy that kids recognize from their favorite gaming duos.
If you want to introduce your family to the legend, here is how to categorize his work by age and "vibe."
For the Little Ones (Ages 5-9)
Short has done a ton of voice work that you probably didn't even realize was him. These are safe bets for a Saturday morning.
- The Willoughbys (Netflix): This is a hidden gem. It’s a bit dark (in a Roald Dahl sort of way), but Short is brilliant as the father. It’s visually stunning and much smarter than your average "brain rot" animation.
- Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted: He plays Stefano the sea lion. It’s loud, it’s colorful, and it’s peak Martin Short energy in animal form.
- The Cat in the Hat Knows a Lot About That!: If you have preschoolers, he is the voice of the Cat. It’s educational, gentle, and shows his range.
For the Tweens (Ages 10-12)
This is the sweet spot for his classic live-action films.
- Father of the Bride: Short plays Franck, the wedding coordinator with the indecipherable accent. It is a masterclass in scene-stealing. It’s also a genuinely sweet movie about family transitions that hits home for kids this age.
- Three Amigos!: This is the quintessential "dad movie" that actually holds up. It’s silly, the "My Little Buttercup" scene is legendary, and it’s a great introduction to the Short/Martin chemistry.
- The Prince of Egypt: He plays one of the Egyptian high priests (Huy). It’s a more serious film, but his musical number is a highlight.
For the Teens (Ages 13+)
- Saturday Night Live (Best of Martin Short): Look up his synchronized swimming sketch on YouTube. It’s a classic for a reason.
- Schmigadoon! (Apple TV+): If your teen is a theater kid, this is mandatory viewing. Short pops up as a leprechaun in a parody of classic musicals. It’s weird, niche, and hilarious.
- The Prime Time Glick: This is Short in a fat suit playing a celebrity interviewer who hates his guests. It’s biting satire. Some of the humor is dated or "edgy" for 2026 standards, but for a teen interested in comedy writing, it’s a textbook on character work.
When diving into Martin Short’s older work, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- Language: His 80s and 90s movies are generally PG or PG-13, but "PG" in 1987 meant something different than it does now. Expect a few more "hells" and "damns" than you’d find in a modern Disney flick.
- Dated Stereotypes: Some of his older characters (like Franck in Father of the Bride) lean into tropes that might spark a conversation about how comedy has changed. It’s not "cancelable" territory for most, but it’s a good "teaching moment" about caricature.
- The "Cringe" Factor: Short’s comedy is based on social awkwardness. If you have a kid who is highly sensitive to "cringe" (second-hand embarrassment), they might find some of his characters stressful rather than funny.
Why should you bother showing your kids Martin Short? Because we are currently living in a content crisis.
Most of what kids consume today is designed by algorithms to keep them clicking. Martin Short’s comedy is the opposite of that. It’s intentional. It’s based on Vaudeville traditions, improv, and deep character study. By introducing your kids to performers who actually perform, you’re helping them develop a "palate" for better media.
It’s the difference between eating a home-cooked meal and a bag of Cheetos. Both are fine in moderation, but you want them to know what the real stuff tastes like.
If you’re watching Only Murders in the Building with your teen, use it as a bridge:
- Ask: "Do you see why his character is so obsessed with being famous? How is that like people on TikTok today?"
- Discuss: The concept of the "intergenerational friendship." The show is great at showing that the "old guys" and the "young woman" actually have a lot to learn from each other.
- Compare: Show them a clip of Ed Grimley and then a clip of a current "random" humor TikToker. Ask them if they see the similarities.
Martin Short is a rare "safe bet" in the comedy world. He’s rarely mean-spirited, he’s incredibly talented, and his work offers a legitimate way to connect with your kids over something that isn't a video game.
Start with Father of the Bride for a family night, and if your kids dig the energy, move up to the "cozy-but-edgy" world of Only Murders in the Building.
- Check the WISE score for Only Murders in the Building to see if the themes fit your family's boundaries.
- Plan a "Steve & Marty" marathon starting with Three Amigos!.
- Check out our guide on the best 80s comedies for modern kids
What’s your favorite Martin Short character? Is it Franck, or are you an Ed Grimley purist? Let us know in the community survey!