Parents' Guide to American Sports Story

TV FX Drama 2024
American Sports Story TV Poster: The back of a football player, handcuffed in a stadium. The jersey reads “Hernandez, 81.”

Common Sense Media Review

By Ty'Kira Smalls , based on child development research. How do we rate?

age 16+

Gritty football bio drama has cursing, violence, and drugs.

Parents Need to Know

Why Age 16+?

Any Positive Content?

Parent and Kid Reviews

age 18+

Based on 1 parent review

What's the Story?

AMERICAN SPORTS STORY is a biography drama anthology series that focuses on notable sports figures in American history. The first installment follows Aaron Hernandez (portrayed by Josh Andrés Rivera,) tight end for the New England Patriots. From his rough upbringing in Connecticut, to his rushed college debut in Miami; the story covers every thread that leads to his murder conviction in 2015.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say ( 1 ):
Kids say : Not yet rated

This series is dark, tense, and intriguing. American Sports Story tries to look at Aaron Hernandez' story through a different lens; taking childhood trauma, societal pressure, and a life of violence into account. However, if viewers are looking for facts, they are better off looking at the many other media pieces on Hernandez. The constant cursing, violence, sexual content, and drug use makes this suitable for older teens.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Why do you think the creators of American Sports Story chose this angle? Does it affect or change the image of Aaron Hernandez at all? Is it necessary to retell this story?

  • Is this story exploitative? Or is it just telling a good story for TV? Why?

TV Details

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American Sports Story TV Poster: The back of a football player, handcuffed in a stadium. The jersey reads “Hernandez, 81.”

What to Watch Next

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