Family movie night? There's an app for that
Download our new mobile app on iOS and Android.
Alphas
By Matt Springer,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Some violence plus positive messages in sci-fi crime drama.
Add your rating
A Lot or a Little?
What you will—and won't—find in this TV show.
Where to Watch
Community Reviews
Based on 2 parent reviews
Good for kids 7 and up!
Great characters and mix of realistic sci-fi, mystery
What's the Story?
Mixing equal doses of classic cop show and sci-fi action thriller, ALPHAS revolves around the adventures of five people with the ability to stretch the capabilities of the human mind and essentially utilize superpowers, without the tights and capes. The five "alphas" (Malik Yoba, Warren Christie, Laura Mennell, Ryan Cartwright, and Azita Ghanizada) operate as a team for the U.S. Department of Defense, working under the leadership of alphas expert Dr. Lee Rosen (David Strathairn) to solve crimes that seem to be related to others with their unique capabilities. At the same time, elements of a larger conspiracy involving warring factions of alphas are hinted at throughout.
Is It Any Good?
Most TV shows that make it to air require a clever "logline," one sentence that sums up the idea for viewers and network executives alike. Alphas is clearly "Law & Order meets Heroes," a police procedural focusing on crimes related to superheroes, with a light sprinkling of an ongoing mystery layered on top. It's one of those forehead-slap ideas that seems obvious and cliche at the same time.
Fortunately, Alphas has some clever writing, strong actors, and an overall positive "being different is cool" message that make it a fun watch for teens and their parents. Oscar-nominated actor David Strathairn chomps into his role as a slightly goofy mad scientist with relish, and the dynamics between the lead alphas establish easy rapport quickly and with a generous helping of humor. It's a step or two above the typical hour-long network or basic cable fare.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the show's reliance on physical violence as a key element. Are there different ways in which the show could have resolved its character conflicts?
Do you prefer this approach to superheroes as opposed to characters dressed in capes and tights? Why or why not? Does it feel more real this way?
TV Details
- Premiere date: July 11, 2011
- Cast: Callum Keith Rennie , David Strathairn , Malik Yoba
- Network: Syfy
- Genre: Science Fiction
- Topics: Superheroes
- TV rating: NR
- Last updated: October 14, 2022
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.
Suggest an Update
Where to Watch
Our Editors Recommend
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.
See how we rate