Common Sense Media Review
By Kari Croop
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Gritty sci-fi series targets teens with blood and realism.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Between
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 10 parent reviews
Based on 12 kid reviews
Kids say this TV show features an intriguing plot but contains significant violence, graphic scenes, and mature themes, making it suitable for older teens and adults only. While some viewers appreciate the storytelling and character development, many warn about the intense content, including implied sexual situations and disturbing death scenes that may not be appropriate for younger audiences.
- violence emphasized
- mature themes
- suitable for older teens
- intriguing plot
- caution advised
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
When a mysterious virus hits the small town of Pretty Lake, the government imposes a quarantine that effectively turns the survivors into prisoners, dashing pregnant teen Wiley Day's (Jennette McCurdy) hopes of giving her baby up for adoption and leaving the past behind. Meanwhile, Wiley's tech-savvy friend, Adam (Jesse Carere), has uncovered a curious fact about the virus: It only targets those 22 and over. Now, it's up to those BETWEEN the ages of 0 and 21 to figure out the rules of their frightening new reality.
Is It Any Good?
Although the initial premise is intriguing, in the end there's nothing spectacular about the way Between spins its story or shapes its characters, resulting in an average piece of entertainment aimed squarely at teens. The show plays so much like a young adult novel that it's hard to believe it isn't based on one. On the plus side, creator Michael McGowan's original story does breed some weighty themes to ponder amid all the teen angst, including whether the 21-and-under set could run the world if they had to -- or whether they'd effectively destroy it.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Between's target audience. Is the show aimed at teens or adults, and how can you tell? How does it compare to other dramas with teen protagonists?
What would the world be like if teens and younger adults were in charge? How close does Between come to getting it right?
Does Between paint people as inherently good or inherently bad, particularly when faced with a crisis? Do you agree with the show's assessment of human nature?
TV Details
- Premiere date : May 21, 2015
- Cast : Jennette McCurdy , Justin Kelly , Jesse Carere
- Network : Netflix
- Genre : Drama
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , School ( High School )
- TV rating :
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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