We’ve all been there. You’re scrolling through TikTok or Instagram, and your kid points at the screen and says, "Oh, it’s the guy from the Selena show!"

Because of Only Murders in the Building, Martin Short has achieved a rare feat: he’s "cool" to Gen Z and Gen Alpha. He’s not just some legacy actor; he’s part of the trio. But here’s the rub—Only Murders is full of F-bombs, sexual innuendo, and, well, actual murders. It’s a "cozy" mystery for us, but it’s a bit much for a ten-year-old whose primary interest is Selena’s outfits.

The good news? Martin Short has a resume that spans decades of family-friendly (and actually funny) content. He’s the antidote to "brain rot" entertainment because his comedy is rooted in old-school vaudeville, physical theater, and incredible character work.

Ask our chatbot for more shows featuring Only Murders cast members

If you have toddlers or young kids, you might already be listening to Martin Short without realizing it. He has a specific "spark" in his voice that keeps kids engaged without being grating (unlike certain high-pitched YouTube personalities we won't name).

Ages 3-7 This is probably the most wholesome Martin Short content in existence. He voices the Cat, and he brings a level of enthusiasm that actually makes the science-based curriculum stick. It’s educational, it’s gentle, and it’s a great way to introduce his "voice" to the house. Check out our guide on educational shows for preschoolers

Ages 8+ This one is a bit more stylized and "edgy" in its animation (think A Series of Unfortunate Events vibes). Short plays the Father. It’s a bit dark—the kids are trying to "orphan" themselves because their parents are terrible—but it’s clever and visually stunning.

This is where the real fun starts. If your kids are old enough to handle live-action comedy and slightly more complex plots, these are the heavy hitters.

Ages 8+ If you haven't shown your kids the 1991 version of this movie, do it this weekend. Martin Short plays Franck Eggelhoffer, the wedding coordinator with an accent that is impossible to place. It is arguably one of the funniest supporting performances in cinema history. Kids love the physical comedy, and you get to enjoy Steve Martin being a stressed-out girl dad. Note: Father of the Bride Part II is also great, though slightly less iconic.

Ages 9+ This is the "origin story" for the Steve Martin and Martin Short friendship. It’s a classic "mistaken identity" plot where three silent film actors are confused for real heroes in a Mexican village. It’s silly, it features a singing bush and an invisible swordsman, and it’s surprisingly clean for an 80s comedy. Is Three Amigos appropriate for my 9-year-old?

Ages 6+ Look, I’m going to be honest: this movie is not "good" cinema. It’s a bit of a cash grab. But Martin Short as Jack Frost is unhinged in the best way possible. He camps it up, he sings, he’s a "villain" that kids find more hilarious than scary. If you need a mindless holiday movie, this is the one.

As kids get older, they want to see the "real" comedy that made these guys famous.

Ages 12+ Short was only on SNL for one season (1984-1985), but he created some of the most enduring characters. If you want to show your teen why he’s a legend, look up clips of Ed Grimley. It’s weird, it’s high-energy, and it’s "Ohio" before "Ohio" was a thing. Guide to watching SNL with your teens

Ages 12+ This Tim Burton cult classic features Short as a very thirsty Press Secretary. It’s PG-13 for sci-fi violence (people getting vaporized into green skeletons) and some suggestive humor. It’s weird, satirical, and perfect for the kid who likes "weird" internet humor.

If your child is 10 or 11 and begging for Only Murders in the Building, here is the No-BS breakdown:

The Screenwise Recommendation: If they are under 12, stick to the movies listed above. If they are 13+ and you’re okay with some "colorful" language, it’s a great show to watch together because it sparks conversations about storytelling and friendship.

In an era of Roblox and short-form YouTube clips that often feel like they were designed by an AI on a caffeine bender, Martin Short represents something different.

His comedy requires attention. It’s performance art. Whether he’s doing a silly dance as Ed Grimley or playing a high-strung wedding planner, he’s teaching kids about timing, character, and the joy of being absolutely ridiculous without being "mean."

In a world where "prank" videos are the norm, Short’s brand of humor—where the joke is usually on him or the absurdity of the situation—is a breath of fresh air.

Learn more about the benefits of "theatrical" comedy for kids

You don't have to let your 4th grader watch a TV-MA show just because they like Selena Gomez. You can pivot. Use the "Selena Bridge" to introduce them to the classics. Start with Father of the Bride, move to Three Amigos!, and let them discover that the "old guy" on Hulu has actually been the funniest person in the room for forty years.

Next Steps:

Ask our chatbot for a personalized Martin Short watchlist based on your kids' ages