Common Sense Media Review
By Joyce Slaton
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Some twists, mystery in tame but lackluster anthology.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 10+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Amazing Stories
What's the Story?
From executive producer Steven Spielberg as well as Edward Kitsis, and Adam Horowitz (the writing team behind Lost and Once Upon a Time), AMAZING STORIES is a remake of the series of the same name that aired from 1985 to 1987. Expect the unexpected on this anthology show, where the ordinary rules of reality are suspended, and magic and mystery rule. Each hour-long episode is different, and many star recognizable actors like Edward Burns and Josh Holloway.
Is It Any Good?
Anthology shows that take on sci-fi/fantasy stories are often a treat with highs and lows that vary by episode, but unfortunately this retread of the hit '80s series feels stale. "Protagonist goes back in time and strange events ensue" is a setup that vintage anthology shows like The Outer Limits and Alfred Hitchcock Presents returned to again and again, but even The Twilight Zone, arguably the greatest anthology of all time, found that it had diminishing returns. It's possible to take that same setup and turn it into something fresh, but the Amazing Stories episode that uses it doesn't quite manage it, instead presenting a story with an expected twist.
In addition, though it's been reported that the modern Amazing Stories has been expensively made (reportedly $5 million per episode), it's not obvious looking at the screen. The costumes seem half-hearted, the settings fail to dazzle, and the special effects just aren't very special. Though Amazing Stories seemingly has enough talent behind the scenes to make it happen, something went wrong, rendering the title ironic instead of prophetic.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about this show's version of reality. Do the characters on Amazing Stories lead lives that reflect your impression of reality? Do you think people turn to entertainment for a reflection of their own lives or an escape from it?
What do you think the intention of Amazing Stories is? Does it offer any positive lessons you can relate to your own life? Which of your favorite shows would you say has educational qualities?
The episodes are all different, but many center on common themes, such as selfish people finally getting what they deserve, or the unexpected rewards of doing the right thing. Did the characters merit their punishments? Why or why not? What might you have done in a similar situation? What point is the show trying to make?
Families can talk about the difficult choices characters are faced with in Amazing Stories, and whether or not they were wise to make those choices. How might things have turned out differently if another path was taken? What sort of themes did you pick up from each episode?
TV Details
- Premiere date : March 6, 2020
- Cast : Kimberly W. Sandefur , Leander Suleiman , James Healy Jr.
- Network : Apple TV
- Genre : Drama
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic )
- TV rating :
- Last updated : October 1, 2025
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