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Moonlighting

Moonlighting

Detectives with a heart

1985–1989Ended5 seasons66 episodes~45 min/epTV-PGMidcredits score: 79th percentile of all shows

After being duped and going bankrupt, model Maddie is convinced by David to become a partner in a detective agency. Together they solve various cases, while getting comfortable with each other.

Your rating, lists and review

Where to watch

Where can I watch Moonlighting?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists Moonlighting streaming on Prime Video and to rent or buy on Prime Video.

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Highlights

What stands out about Moonlighting?

Moonlighting earns 8 badges, led by Sharp dialogue and Laugh riot.

  • Reception
  • Craft and mood
  • Cast

Reception

Is Moonlighting worth watching?

Moonlighting's Midcredits score is the 79th percentile of all shows, from 28K ratings across 2 sources. 84% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

79th percentile

Better received than 79% of shows

77th percentile among Comedy74th percentile among 1980s
Acclaim (how much people like it)73rd
Approval (how many liked it)81st

Acclaim

Crowd Pleaser: Rating-distribution shape vs the catalog

How much people like it

76 /100

73rd percentile of all shows

74th percentile among Comedy71st percentile among 1980s

Rating distribution

Most people land high, with a thin tail of low scores from those it didn't reach.

Approval

How many liked it

84% liked it

81st percentile of all shows

77th percentile among Comedy75th percentile among 1980s
84% rated it 7–1016% rated it 1–6

Reach

How many have seen it

93rd percentile

28K ratings across platforms

90th percentile among Comedy90th percentile among 1980s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Down 9% in 30 days

What reviewers say

Common ground

The show's defining assets are its two leads' chemistry and its smart, talky comedy, even as quality dipped after the first few seasons.

Fans praised

  • Crackling lead chemistry between Willis and Shepherd
  • Fast, witty, overlapping dialogue
  • Genre-blending humor, drama, and mystery with style

Detractors panned

  • Quality collapse in later seasons after leads got together and off-screen tension grew
  • Some call acting wooden and Willis miscast
  • Uneven pacing and scripts that ran out the clock

What stands out

Dialogue90

Snappy, overlapping, quotable one-liners

Humor88

Screwball wit with rapid-fire timing

Originality85

Refreshingly genre-blending and self-aware

ActingDivisive80

Electric Willis–Shepherd rapport; detractors call it wooden

CharactersDivisive78

Fully realized leads, especially in early seasons

Atmosphere78

Urbane, jazzy, stylish early-TV feel

Plot and storyDivisive70

Intriguing mysteries, but sometimes played second fiddle to comedy

Pacing60

Zippy in early years, dragged in later ones

Preferred by

Women vs men

Preferred by Men

Men scored it 10 points higher than women.

Critics vs users

Preferred by Critics

Critics scored it 23 points higher than users.

No notable difference between the other groups: each pair ranks it within 10 percentile points.

  • US vs non-US 2 points apart

Episodes

5 seasons

Season 5 · 1988 · 13 episodes

  • S5E1

    A Womb With a View

    Dec 6, 198846 min
  • S5E2

    Between a Yuk and a Hard Place

    Dec 13, 198846 min
  • S5E3

    The Color of Maddie

    Dec 20, 198846 min
  • S5E4

    Plastic Fantastic Lovers

    Jan 10, 198946 min
  • S5E5

    Shirts and Skins

    Jan 17, 198946 min
  • S5E6

    Take My Wife, For Example

    Feb 7, 198946 min

Watch experience

What is Moonlighting like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Earnest, light and charged — an even-paced watch that leaves you entertained.

ToneFeelDemandexact position · filled zone: the category

What it asks of you

What it feels like

Moods
JoyfulRomanticThrillingAbsurd
Heaviest: throughout
Warm humor
Register
Wry · 7% of shows: Amused and slightly dry about it.PlayfulRomantic · 7% of shows
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.Case of the week plus an arcNew arc each season
ToneThe show holds its material with a knowing wink, blending witty banter with genuine romantic tension.
The rideThe series maintains a consistently playful, high-spirited tone with romantic and comedic tension woven through every episode.
StructureThe show typically follows a three-act structure for each case, with comedic and dramatic beats.
Episode formatEach episode presents a self-contained mystery, while the romantic tension and character development between Maddie and David form a serialized arc.
Season formatEach season follows the same core cast and setting, with ongoing character relationships evolving across self-contained episodic arcs.

How it leaves you

what you carry away
FunFeel-good
Why it leaves you this wayThe show's witty banter and romantic tension leave a lasting sense of enjoyment and nostalgia.
How it ends · evidence
Bittersweet ending

Story archetype

where it sits among all shows
Monster — 18% of shows. A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated.Rags — 3% of shows. A rise from lowliness to fortune, status, or recognition.Quest — 6% of shows. A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles.Voyage — 2% of shows. Into a strange world and back again, changed.Comedy — 12% of shows. Confusion and cross-purposes resolved into harmony.Tragedy — 4% of shows. A flaw or fixation drives the protagonist to ruin.Rebirth — 7% of shows. A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed.Mystery — 8% of shows. A question drives the story — who did it, what happened, what is real — until it is answered.No archetype — 40% of showsPredator — 7% of shows. A creature or killer hunts the protagonists (Jaws, Alien).Tyrant — 3% of shows. A human villain holds power over the hero's world (Die Hard).Invasion — 2% of shows. An external force attacks the home or world (Independence Day).Oppressive state — 3% of shows. A government, its agencies or a secret faction inside them is the monster (V for Vendetta).Corporate villainy — 1% of shows. A company or its bosses are the monster (Erin Brockovich).Institutional injustice — 1% of shows. A court, prison, police force, school or church is itself the enemy (Spotlight).Class system — under 1% of shows. The gap between rich and poor, or a rigid hierarchy, is the monster (Parasite).Technology turns — under 1% of shows. Technology people rely on becomes the threat (The Terminator).Inner demon — 1% of shows. The monster is within — addiction, illness, a dark double.Underdog triumph — 2% of shows. Rise through competition or contest (Rocky).Social ascent — 1% of shows. A climb in class or status (Pretty Woman).Fame and fortune — under 1% of shows. An artistic or showbiz rise (A Star Is Born).Rise and fall — under 1% of shows. Wealth or power gained, self lost (Scarface).Hidden worth revealed — under 1% of shows. The protagonist's true value finally recognized.Treasure hunt — 1% of shows. Retrieve an object of value (Raiders of the Lost Ark).Rescue — 2% of shows. Retrieve or save a person (Saving Private Ryan).Mission — 4% of shows. Accomplish or destroy a defined objective (Mission: Impossible).Journey home — under 1% of shows. The goal is getting back (Finding Nemo).Pilgrimage — under 1% of shows. The journey itself transforms; the destination is symbolic.Portal fantasy — under 1% of shows. Transported into another world (The Wizard of Oz).Fish out of water — 1% of shows. Displaced into an unfamiliar social world (Elf).Survival ordeal — under 1% of shows. Trapped in a hostile environment, fighting back (Cast Away).Time displacement — under 1% of shows. Unstuck in time (Back to the Future).Descent — under 1% of shows. A night-journey into an underworld or subculture (After Hours).Romantic comedy — 2% of shows. Lovers kept apart by confusion, united at last.Comedy of errors — 3% of shows. Mistaken identity or misunderstanding drives the plot.Farce — 2% of shows. Escalating absurd chaos and coincidence (The Hangover).Buddy comedy — 1% of shows. A mismatched pair forced together (Rush Hour).Comedy of manners — 2% of shows. Social codes and class satirized (Clueless).Hubris — 1% of shows. Pride or ambition invites the fall (There Will Be Blood).Obsession — under 1% of shows. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Corruption arc — 1% of shows. Step-by-step moral decay (The Godfather).Doomed love — 1% of shows. Love destroyed by circumstance (Brokeback Mountain).Crushed by fate — 1% of shows. Destroyed by forces beyond the protagonist's control.Redemption — 1% of shows. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Healing — 3% of shows. Recovery from grief or trauma (Good Will Hunting).Liberation — 2% of shows. Breaking free of a confining life (Room).Second chance — 1% of shows. A stagnant life re-opened to love or purpose (Groundhog Day).Puzzle — 1% of shows. A clue-by-clue puzzle you can try to solve before the reveal (Knives Out, Clue).Investigation — 6% of shows. A long pursuit of the truth that may never be fully solved (Zodiac, Memories of Murder).Enigma — 1% of shows. The mystery is what is real, or what is actually happening (Mulholland Drive).MonsterPredator
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 18% (this title): Predator 7% (this title) · Tyrant 3% · Invasion 2% · Oppressive state 3% · Corporate villainy 1% · Institutional injustice 1% · Class system under 1% · Technology turns under 1% · Inner demon 1%
  • Rags 3%: Underdog triumph 2% · Social ascent 1% · Fame and fortune under 1% · Rise and fall under 1% · Hidden worth revealed under 1%
  • Quest 6%: Treasure hunt 1% · Rescue 2% · Mission 4% · Journey home under 1% · Pilgrimage under 1%
  • Voyage 2%: Portal fantasy under 1% · Fish out of water 1% · Survival ordeal under 1% · Time displacement under 1% · Descent under 1%
  • Comedy 12%: Romantic comedy 2% · Comedy of errors 3% · Farce 2% · Buddy comedy 1% · Comedy of manners 2%
  • Tragedy 4%: Hubris 1% · Obsession under 1% · Corruption arc 1% · Doomed love 1% · Crushed by fate 1%
  • Rebirth 7%: Redemption 1% · Healing 3% · Liberation 2% · Second chance 1%
  • Mystery 8%: Puzzle 1% · Investigation 6% · Enigma 1%
  • No archetype 40%

Overcoming the monster: A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated. · Predator: A creature or killer hunts the protagonists (Jaws, Alien).

18% of shows fit this archetype

Why this archetypeThe typical episode follows Maddie and David as they investigate a case, tracking suspects and solving crimes.

What it's about

7 groups · 53 themes
Bonds — 31% of showsSelf — 27% of showsPower — 7% of showsMorality — 11% of showsSurvival — 9% of showsSociety — 10% of showsIdeas — 5% of showsRomantic love — 10% of showsMarriage — 2% of showsFamily bonds — 22% of showsParenthood — 1% of showsFriendship — 18% of showsLoyalty — 7% of showsIdentity — 20% of showsComing of age — 9% of showsAging — under 1% of showsSelf-worth — 7% of showsAmbition — 14% of showsPurpose — 16% of showsMemory — 3% of showsObsession — 2% of shows. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Power — 5% of showsCorruption — 3% of showsGreed — 2% of showsClass — 4% of showsOppression — 2% of showsFreedom — 4% of showsJustice — 14% of showsDuty — 2% of showsRevenge — 1% of showsGuilt — 1% of showsRedemption — 3% of shows. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Forgiveness — under 1% of showsSacrifice — 2% of showsBetrayal — 3% of showsDeception — 6% of showsSurvival — 12% of showsWar — 1% of showsViolence — 2% of showsMortality — 2% of showsGrief — 4% of showsTrauma — 5% of showsMental illness — under 1% of showsAddiction — under 1% of showsIllness and disability — under 1% of showsCommunity — 25% of shows. Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Isolation — 3% of showsPrejudice — 2% of showsDisplacement — 1% of showsFaith — 1% of showsTradition vs change — 3% of showsFame — 5% of showsLegacy — 3% of showsFate — 1% of showsFree will — under 1% of showsTruth — 6% of showsHope — 4% of showsNature — 3% of showsArt — 2% of showsTechnology — 1% of showsSelfRomanticlove
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 31% (this title): Romantic love 10% (this title) · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 22% · Parenthood 1% · Friendship 18% · Loyalty 7%
  • Self 27%: Identity 20% · Coming of age 9% · Aging under 1% · Self-worth 7% · Ambition 14% (this title) · Purpose 16% · Memory 3% · Obsession 2%
  • Power 7%: Power 5% · Corruption 3% · Greed 2% · Class 4% · Oppression 2% · Freedom 4%
  • Morality 11%: Justice 14% · Duty 2% · Revenge 1% · Guilt 1% · Redemption 3% · Forgiveness under 1% · Sacrifice 2% · Betrayal 3% · Deception 6%
  • Survival 9%: Survival 12% · War 1% · Violence 2% · Mortality 2% · Grief 4% · Trauma 5% · Mental illness under 1% · Addiction under 1% · Illness and disability under 1%
  • Society 10%: Community 25% (this title) · Isolation 3% · Prejudice 2% · Displacement 1% · Faith 1% · Tradition vs change 3% · Fame 5% · Legacy 3%
  • Ideas 5%: Fate 1% · Free will under 1% · Truth 6% · Hope 4% · Nature 3% · Art 2% · Technology 1%

Bonds

Romantic love · 10% of showsAmbition · 14% of showsCommunity: Consequences reach a town, institution or group.
Celebrates its theme: Affirms its theme — this is good and worth having.Intimate stakes: Consequences reach a person or a household.Dual lead
How it treats its themeThe series revolves around the electric will-they-won't-they relationship between Maddie and David, set against the backdrop of their shared business venture.
StanceThe show celebrates the romantic tension and partnership between its leads, with a light, affectionate eye on their will-they-won't-they dynamic.

The world

ContemporaryUrbanInstitutionalRealistic
Orchestral classicalJazzPopSupportive music · hybrid
SettingBlue Moon Detective Agency, Los Angeles, mid-1980s
MusicThe theme song by Al Jarreau became iconic.

Content guide

Is Moonlighting okay for kids?

TV-PG

Moonlighting is rated TV-PG. As of October 3, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at moderate (51/100), sexual content at moderate (46/100), language at moderate (40/100), drug and alcohol content at moderate (37/100) and frightening material at mild (30/100). Its drug and alcohol content has too few votes to rank. Overall it is heavier than 71% of TV-PG shows.

Ratings in 7 other countries
  • AustraliaPG
  • Germany12
  • FranceNR
  • BrazilL
  • Netherlands6
  • PhilippinesG
  • Russia16+
Overall
Moderate · all five categories
Heavier than 30% of all showsHeavier than 71% of TV-PG shows
Violence & Gore
Moderate · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
typical for a TV-PG show
heavier than 74%
Sex & Nudity
Moderate · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
heavy for a TV-PG show
heavier than 87%
Profanity
Moderate
heavy for a TV-PG show
heavier than 79%
Alcohol & Drugs
Moderate
too few votes to rank (9 votes)
Frightening / Intense
Mild · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
typical for a TV-PG show
heavier than 40%

Point along a line to see a well-known title at that level.

Nothing here is extreme. The strongest element is violence, heavier than 74% of TV-PG shows.

Source: Midcredits content scores, 0 (none) to 100 (severe) per category, with each standing ranked against other shows that have them.

What content warnings does Moonlighting have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in Moonlighting?

Cast

Bruce Willis won the Emmy for this show.

Cybill Shepherd
as Maddie Hayes
Career best: Their highest-reaching show role by billing, audience size and rating.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Bruce Willis
as David Addison Jr.
Emmy win: Primetime Emmy — Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama SeriesTop draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
newcomer then · star now
Allyce Beasley
as Agnes DiPesto
Newcomer: A standing when this show came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Curtis Armstrong
as Herbert Quentin Viola
Newcomer: A standing when this show came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Kristine Kauffman
as Kris - Blue Moon Employee
Jonathan Ames
as Jergenson
Daniel Fitzpatrick
as O'Neill
Jamie Taylor
as Jamie - Blue Moon Employee
Willie Brown
as Simmons
Jack Blessing
as MacGillicudy
Newcomer: A standing when this show came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.

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What other shows share a tag with Moonlighting?

177 other shows share the rarest tag below, relationship: partners in crime. Each tag opens Browse with the shows that share it.