Theodosia
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this TV show.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Theodosia is a TV series based on the Robin LaFevers book series of the same name. The series is set in 1906 and follows 14-year-old Theodosia Throckmorton as she accidentally brings ancient Egyptian magic home to London. There is a moderate amount of supernatural and mummy scariness. The suspense is mostly achieved through music, lighting, and sound effects, as everything turns out OK in the end. There are some scenes where main characters appear to be in danger, and the villains do creepy things like break into Theodosia's house and follow her around London. There's little in the way of actual violence except for mean characters and some pushing and shoving that's quickly resolved. Otherwise, there's not much iffy content in this fun Harry Potter-meets-Indiana Jones series. Theodosia is a great strong female role model and shows courage and curiosity throughout her epic adventures.
Community Reviews
Great family show
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What's the Story?
Theodosia is a TV show based on a book series of the same name. Set in 1906, it's about a 14-year-old Brit that accompanies her archaeologist parents to ancient Egyptian dig sites. Theodosia and her brother, Henry, find an amulet called the Eye of Horus in a mummy's sarcophagus. They take the amulet, and a statue of a cat, back home to London. As soon as they get off the train, trouble begins. A mysterious man tries stealing the Eye of Horus, and Theodosia realizes that the amulet harms anyone who touches it without a glove. She returns to her bedroom in the upper floors of her parents' Museum of Legends and Antiquities. There, her cat statue Ra turns into a real black cat and runs through the museum. Theodosia didn't think she believed in ancient Egyptian curses, but she can't deny all the weird things happening around her. She teams up with her brother and friends Will and Egyptian Princess Safiya to investigate. After uncovering a secret society using ancient dark Egyptian magic to destroy Earth, can the four teens work together to stop their evil plot?
Is It Any Good?
There's a lot to like about this clever series, which mixes a strong hero and interesting supporting characters with two historical periods: ancient Egypt and Edwardian London. Kids into magical fantasies à la Harry Potter will enjoy these fun adventures. The series feels reminiscent of the early Harry Potter movies, with some moments of suspense but villains and special effects that are sufficiently cheesy to make everything feel a bit less threatening. Theodosia is a fabulous character: She is smart and competent and doesn't apologize for either. If she has one fault, it's that she's almost too perfect and therefore may be less relatable to kids. The writing and world-building is less complex than in some other fantasy series, which makes Theodosia less compelling for adults and whole-family viewing. But for kids who can handle some scares, Theodosia is an entertaining fantasy world that parents can feel good about their kids getting sucked into.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Theodosia's courage. Can you imagine yourself having the same amount of bravery in similar situations?
Theodosia is extremely curious and is always wanting to learn more about ancient Egypt and her newfound magical ability. Is there anything you're curious to learn more about ancient Egypt?
Do you believe in magic, ancient curses, or haunted mummy tombs? What makes you think these things are or aren't real?
What do you think the Theodosia series would be like if Theodosia was a boy? What would change? What would stay the same? Which way do you prefer, and why?
TV Details
- Premiere date: March 10, 2022
- Cast: Eloise Little, Frankie Minchella, Nana Agyeman-Bediako, Yasmina El-Abd
- Network: HBO Max
- Genre: Drama
- Topics: Magic and Fantasy, Adventures, Book Characters, Brothers and Sisters, Great Girl Role Models, History, Monsters, Ghosts, and Vampires
- Character Strengths: Courage, Curiosity
- TV rating: TV-Y7
- Award: Common Sense Selection
- Last updated: December 14, 2022
Our Editors Recommend
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Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
First Potter movie is a magical ride but also intense.
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The Mysterious Benedict Society
Suspense and adventure in whimsical book-based fantasy.
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Just Beyond
Psychological spookiness that's OK for most tweens.
For kids who love adventure
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
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