Babylon
Deeply British, pretty violent dark comedy about police.
Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.
Babylon
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
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 Sundance TV's Babylon is a British comedy-drama series that looks at the day-to-day exploits of the struggling London Metropolitan Police. There's lots of cursing ("s--t," "f--k"), occasional brief nudity (bare bottoms), and some crude sexual innuendo. There are also some very violent moments, including severe beatings and shootings, but with little blood. It's not meant for kids, but older teens interested in shows from across the pond may be able to handle it.
Community Reviews
There aren't any reviews yet. Be the first to review this title.
What's the Story?
Co-executive produced by Slumdog Millionaire's Danny Boyle, BABYLON is a British dramatic comedy that looks at the day-to-day exploits of the London Metropolitan Police. When traditional methods fail to rescue the Met Police's reputation as an inept organization after a series of police shootings and subsequent escalations of violence, Commissioner Richard Miller (James Nesbitt) hires American PR social media specialist Liz Garvey (Brit Marling) to improve their overall image. While she deals with the bitter communications deputy Finn Kirkwood (Bertie Carvel), the Commissioner tries to adjust to Garvey's more modern ways while keeping staff like Deputy Commissioner Charles Inglis (Paterson Joseph) and Assistant Commissioner Sharon Franklin (Nicola Walker). Meanwhile, their street teams, which include officers like firearms expert Robbie (Adam Deacon) and Armed Response Officer Warwick (Nick Blood), must contend with the new edicts being handed down to them from Scotland Yard. Doing their jobs gets even harder thanks to an ambitious documentarian (Daniel Kaluuya) who is recording their every move.
Is It Any Good?
The dark series highlights some of the real challenges of day-to-day law enforcement, ranging from protecting the public and dealing with political pressure to coping with the fallout when their mistakes are recorded and go viral. But thanks to the show's deadpan humor, a British comedy trademark, there's enough comic relief to lighten things up a bit.
Some of the storylines seem unpolished and struggle to find the balance between drama and comedy. Meanwhile, many of the issues dealt with are deeply rooted in British culture, and the heavy accents may pose a challenge to all but the most dedicated Anglophiles. Nonetheless, if you're looking for a solid cop show from across the pond, you will definitely find it here.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the difference between American and British TV. Is there anything American TV can show that the British can't? Why?
Do you think this series offers a fair representation of law enforcement? How are the people on the police force depicted?
TV Details
- Premiere date: January 8, 2015
- Cast: Brit Marling, James Nesbitt, Paterson Joseph
- Network: Sundance Channel
- Genre: Drama
- TV rating: TV-MA
- Last updated: March 31, 2022
Our Editors Recommend
-
Luther
Excellent British cop series with blood and some intimacy.
-
Law & Order: UK
Classic L&O stories -- with a British twist.
-
Murphy's Law
Tense British crime drama is too violent for kids.
-
Black Mirror
British sci-fi series is violent and thought-provoking.
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