Common Sense Media Review
By Kari Croop
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Violent biker drama has blood, sex -- and a twisted heart.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 17+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Sons of Anarchy
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 14 parent reviews
Based on 22 kid reviews
Kids say the series is both captivating and violent, with an engaging plot and complex characters, but many warn it is not suitable for younger audiences due to intense graphic content and themes. While some praise its storytelling and action sequences, others criticize its heavy violence and sexual content, recommending it strictly for mature viewers or older teens.
- captivating plot
- graphic violence
- complex characters
- mature audiences
- intense themes
- not for children
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
At the heart of SONS OF ANARCHY is Jax Teller (Charlie Hunnam), a father of two who questions his outlaw lifestyle and wants to restore the Sons of Anarchy Motorcycle Club to his late father's vision. But Jax's mother, Gemma (Katey Sagal), and stepfather, Clay (Ron Perlman), are threatened by the idea that Jax might be considering a new direction, which could jeopardize the business they've worked -- and killed -- to build.
Is It Any Good?
Although the Sons of Anarchy Motorcycle Club is headquartered in the town of Charming, Calif., regular viewers know that the town's name is as ironic as it gets. Although the characters are complex and often compelling, "charming" is one thing they're not. They drink, they swear, they kill. But, beneath the crude-talking, murderous exterior, Sons of Anarchy actually does have a heart -- the only catch is, it's kind of twisted.
So, Sons won't be for everyone. But those who don't mind rooting for bad guys who are actually kind of good guys (yet are still, by very definition, bad guys) will find a potentially addicting show fueled by stunning plot twists, critically acclaimed performances (Sagal nabbed a Golden Globe for her work), and loose ties to William Shakespeare's Hamlet -- which could very well foreshadow these characters' fates.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about biker gangs -- how they are in real life and the way they're typically portrayed in movies and television. Does Sons of Anarchy show these gangs in a new light or maintain the general stereotype that bikers are criminals? Why do bikers tend to be demonized?
How is an antihero different from a traditional hero? Is it possible to care about a character who isn't sympathetic or likable in the traditional sense? What, if anything, makes Sons of Anarchy's characters worth your time?
How closely does Sons of Anarchy adhere to Shakespeare's Hamlet, the timeless tragedy that loosely inspired it? What are the obvious similarities, particularly in terms of plot and character? How often have the writers strayed from the bard's blueprint?
TV Details
- Premiere date : September 3, 2008
- Cast : Charlie Hunnam , Katey Sagal , Ron Perlman
- Network : FX
- Genre : Drama
- TV rating :
- Award : NAACP Image Award - NAACP Image Award Nominee
- Last updated : October 3, 2024
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