‘Good Cop/Bad Cop’ (2025) Review: A Witty, Charming Crime Comedy with Heart

Few things are as satisfying as a well-balanced crime comedy—especially one that doesn’t take itself too seriously. Good Cop/Bad Cop, The CW’s latest foray into the dramedy procedural space, delivers exactly that: a sharp, fast-paced, and often hilarious sibling rivalry set against the backdrop of small-town policing.

At its core, Good Cop/Bad Cop is a story about family, dysfunction, and the messy business of law enforcement. It follows two polar-opposite siblings—Lou Hickman (Leighton Meester), the by-the-book detective, and Henry Hickman (Luke Cook), her chaotic, rule-breaking brother—who are forced to work together under the watchful (and often exasperated) eye of their father, Police Chief Big Hank (Clancy Brown).

Is Good Cop/Bad Cop a groundbreaking masterpiece? No. But is it a fun, binge-worthy escape with enough charm to keep you hooked for its eight-episode run? Absolutely. Let’s break it down.

Set in the fictional Pacific Northwest town of Eden Vale, Good Cop/Bad Cop follows the Hickman siblings as they navigate a series of bizarre local cases—from missing livestock to underground poker rings—while clashing over their wildly different approaches to policing.

Lou is meticulous, professional, and deeply invested in following protocol. Henry, on the other hand, is impulsive, reckless, and somehow always one step ahead of the law—despite breaking every rule in the book. Their dynamic is the heart of the show, blending workplace tension with deep-seated sibling rivalry, all while their father, Big Hank, struggles to keep them (and the department) in line.

The show’s tone is lighthearted but not shallow, balancing crime-of-the-week procedural elements with character-driven humor. Think Brooklyn Nine-Nine meets Psych, with a dash of The Mentalist’s quirky charm.

• Episode 1 (“Pilot”) – Introduces the Hickman siblings and their first major case: a missing person tied to a local cult.
• Episode 3 (“The Heist”) – A botched bank robbery leads to an unexpected team-up between Lou and Henry.
• Episode 5 (“Family Business”) – The siblings investigate a case that hits too close to home, forcing them to confront their past.
• Episode 8 (“The Big Bust”) – A season-ending cliffhanger that sets up potential future conflicts.

The cases themselves are fun but not overly complex, serving more as a backdrop for the character dynamics than as intricate whodunits.

One of Good Cop/Bad Cop’s biggest strengths is its tight pacing. At just eight episodes, the season never overstays its welcome, moving at a brisk but comfortable pace. Each episode introduces a new case while slowly unraveling the Hickmans’ family drama, ensuring that the procedural and personal storylines feel equally engaging.

The show’s crime-of-the-week format is familiar, but the sibling dynamic keeps it fresh. Unlike traditional procedurals where detectives are just colleagues, Lou and Henry’s history, grudges, and love for each other add emotional weight to every investigation. Their arguments feel real and earned, not just for comedic effect.

The humor in Good Cop/Bad Cop leans witty and situational rather than slapstick. Some of the best moments come from:

• Henry’s reckless but brilliant deductions (e.g., solving a case by noticing a suspect’s mismatched socks).
• Lou’s exasperated reactions to her brother’s antics.
• Big Hank’s deadpan one-liners (Clancy Brown is a master of dry delivery).

That said, the comedy isn’t always consistent. Some jokes land with perfect timing, while others feel a bit forced, especially in early episodes. By mid-season, though, the show finds its rhythm, and the humor becomes more organic and character-driven.

While the season moves quickly, Episode 4 (“The Ghost”) drags slightly, feeling more like a filler episode than a necessary part of the arc. The case itself is entertaining, but it doesn’t advance the siblings’ relationship as much as other episodes do.

Additionally, some side characters (like the quirky Eden Vale townsfolk) are underutilized, leaving their potential untapped. A deeper dive into the town’s eccentricities could have added more flavor to the world-building.

Meester (Gossip Girl, The Weekend Away) delivers a standout performance as the straight-laced, rule-following Lou. She brings depth to a character who could have easily been a one-note “stickler”—instead, we see Lou’s vulnerability, frustration, and occasional moments of rebellion.

Her chemistry with Luke Cook is electric, making their sibling bond feel authentic and lived-in. Whether they’re bickering over procedure or teaming up in a high-stakes chase, their dynamic is the heart of the show.

Cook (Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, Dynasty) plays Henry with just the right amount of swagger and insecurity. He’s not just a lovable goof—there’s a dark edge to him, hinting at past traumas that explain his reckless behavior.

Some of the best scenes come from Henry’s unorthodox problem-solving, like when he improvises a sting operation using a food truck. Cook makes Henry irresistibly watchable, even when he’s being insufferable.

Brown (Dexter: New Blood, The Penguin) brings gravitas and dry humor to the role of Big Hank, the siblings’ gruff but loving father. His exasperated reactions to his children’s antics are gold, and his subtle moments of pride in them add emotional weight to the family dynamic.

• Jessica Camacho (The Flash) plays Detective Rosa Mendoza, a no-nonsense cop who often gets caught in the Hickmans’ crossfire. She has great chemistry with both leads, but her character deserves more development.
• Hayley Law (Riverdale) appears in a few episodes as Jenny, a local journalist with a mysterious connection to the Hickmans. Her role feels underexplored, leaving her potential untapped.
• Paul Scheer (The League, Veep) has a fun guest role as a conspiracy theorist in Episode 6, delivering some of the season’s best laughs.

Good Cop/Bad Cop is visually distinct, with a warm, autumnal color palette that perfectly captures the Pacific Northwest setting. The show’s cinematography leans into cozy, small-town aesthetics, with golden-hour shots of Eden Vale’s quirky streets and moody, atmospheric interiors for the police station.

Director Robbie Countryman (Psych, Lucifer) brings a light, comedic touch to the action sequences, ensuring that even chase scenes feel fun rather than tense. The camerawork is dynamic without being distracting, keeping the focus on the characters and dialogue.

The show’s score is playful and upbeat, with a mix of jazz-infused tracks and modern indie rock that fits the quirky, offbeat tone. Standout moments include:

• A slow-motion chase scene set to a surf-rock instrumental.
• A tense interrogation scored with eerie, minimalist piano.

The music choices never overpower the scenes but enhance the humor and emotion in all the right ways.

The small-town setting is one of the show’s biggest assets. Eden Vale is equal parts charming and bizarre, filled with quirky locals, eccentric businesses, and just enough weirdness to make it feel like a real place with character.

Highlights include:

• The Hickman family home – A lived-in, slightly messy space that reflects their dysfunctional but loving dynamic.
• The police station – A run-down but cozy hub where everyone knows each other’s business.
• Local hotspots – Like Mabel’s Diner, a retro-style eatery that serves as a recurring hangout spot.

✔ Strong sibling chemistry – Meester and Cook’s dynamic is the show’s biggest strength.
✔ Sharp, witty writing – The humor is smart and character-driven, not just random jokes.
✔ Great pacing – Eight episodes is the perfect length for a binge.
✔ Clancy Brown’s performance – He steals every scene he’s in.
✔ Visually appealing – The Pacific Northwest setting is gorgeous and immersive.
✔ Balanced tone – It never takes itself too seriously but still has emotional depth.

✖ Some jokes fall flat – Early episodes have a few forced punchlines.
✖ Underdeveloped side characters – Rosa and Jenny deserve more screen time.
✖ Occasional filler episodes – Episode 4 drags compared to the rest.
✖ Predictable cases – The procedural plots aren’t groundbreaking.
✖ Henry’s backstory is vague – We get hints of trauma, but it’s never fully explored.

Cast & Crew

If you love shows like:

• Brooklyn Nine-Nine
• Psych
• The Mentalist
• Lucifer (the lighter seasons)

…then Good Cop/Bad Cop is right up your alley.

The Lou and Henry relationship is the heart of the show, making it a great pick for fans of:

• New Girl (Nick and Jess)
• Supernatural (Sam and Dean)
• The Bear (Carmy and Sugar)

If you enjoy offbeat, character-driven stories set in eccentric towns, you’ll appreciate:

• Northern Exposure
• Twin Peaks (but way less dark)
• Parks and Recreation

• Hardcore crime drama fans – This is not True Detective—it’s lighter and more comedic.
• Viewers who dislike procedural formats – The case-of-the-week structure is front and center.
• Those looking for deep, complex mysteries – The crime-solving is fun but not groundbreaking.

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Good Cop/Bad Cop is not reinventing the wheel, but it doesn’t need to. It’s a well-crafted, entertaining dramedy with strong performances, sharp writing, and a charming small-town vibe. While it has a few minor flaws (underdeveloped side characters, occasional filler episodes), it more than makes up for them with its heart and humor.

Is it a must-watch? If you’re in the mood for a light, funny, and easy-to-binge crime comedy, absolutely. If you’re looking for dark, gritty drama, this isn’t it—but that’s not what it’s trying to be.

Season 2 Renewal Hopes: With Netflix picking up the show, there’s real potential for a second season—especially if it gains traction on the platform. Here’s hoping The CW (or Netflix) gives it the green light.

• Twitter: “Lou and Henry’s sibling dynamic is everything. More Clancy Brown, please!”
• Reddit: “It’s no Brooklyn Nine-Nine, but it’s a fun, easy watch. Hoping for a Season 2!”
• IMDb: 7.8/10 (Based on early ratings)

No, the show is completely fictional, though it draws inspiration from real-life sibling dynamics and small-town police procedurals.

Season 1 consists of eight episodes, each running 42-45 minutes.

As of now, no official renewal has been announced. However, with Netflix picking up the show, strong viewership could lead to a second season.

The show is rated TV-14 for:

• Mild language (occasional “damn,” “hell”)
• Violence (mostly comedic, but some gunplay)
• Thematic elements (family drama, crime)

Parents’ guide: Best for teens and adults.

• Amazon Prime Video (U.S. streaming rights)
• Stan (Australia)
• The CW App (for those with cable logins)

Episode 5 (“Family Business”) is the standout, blending emotional depth with hilarious sibling antics. Episode 3 (“The Heist”) is a close second for its fast-paced, action-packed fun.

Absolutely. At just eight episodes, it’s the perfect weekend binge. The episodes flow well together, and the season-ending cliffhanger makes you want to keep watching.

Netflix’s acquisition of Good Cop/Bad Cop is a smart move—the platform has a strong track record with crime comedies (Lucifer, Brooklyn Nine-Nine reruns) and procedurals (NCIS, The Mentalist). Here’s what to expect:

✅ No ads – Unlike The CW’s app, Netflix offers uninterrupted viewing.
✅ High-quality streaming – The show is available in 4K HDR (if your device supports it).
✅ Easy bingeability – All episodes drop at once, so you can watch at your own pace.
✅ Global availability – While the initial release is U.S.-only, Netflix often expands to other regions quickly.

Downside? If you’re not a Netflix subscriber, you’ll need to sign up—but with the platform’s free trial options, it’s an easy way to check it out.

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Good Cop/Bad Cop is proof that you don’t need a groundbreaking premise to make a great show—you just need strong characters, sharp writing, and chemistry that jumps off the screen. Leighton Meester and Luke Cook elevate what could have been a forgettable procedural into something fun, heartfelt, and genuinely binge-worthy.

Is it perfect? No. Does it have flaws? Sure. But at the end of the day, Good Cop/Bad Cop is exactly what it sets out to be: a light, entertaining, and surprisingly emotional crime comedy that leaves you wanting more.

Verdict: Stream it. Whether you’re a fan of crime shows, sibling dynamics, or just good old-fashioned TV fun, this one’s worth your time.

Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5) – “Highly Recommended”**