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Parents' Guide to

Bodyguard

By Mark Dolan, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 16+

Suspenseful political crime show is smart but violent.

TV Netflix Drama 2018
Bodyguard Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this TV show.

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age 15+

Based on 8 parent reviews

cellulartoliver
cellulartoliver Adult
September 29, 2021
age 17+

High quality show; trigger warning

I just finished watching this series, and I highly recommend it. The script and values of the "good guys" were rewarded in the end. Richard Madden and all the actors do splendidly. The show is frank with political issues such as terrorism, corrupt government, and individual choices without making generalizations. I assumed it would take an agenda more biased towards the left with a lot of these issues, but was pleasantly surprised to see that it was in-depth enough to be truthful with both sides of the argument. I would caution a trigger warning, as a character attempts to take their life on screen and it is a central plot point. It features gritty violence as well as multiple sex scenes (they're able to be fast-forwarded without losing any important plot details). I did not notice any sensitive body parts shown. I believe there was swearing as well. Characters drink alcohol, but usually in moderation. Highly recommend this series for an interesting, intense, and intimate look into British politics and the life of an average guy. It might take some emotional effort to get through but the ending is very rewarding.
JLD21
JLD21 Adult
January 18, 2021
age 16+

Great series but sex scenes make it for older age group

I know my 14 year old would love this series, but I don't feel that the sex scenes are appropriate for that age group. Otherwise, really gripping and action filled series with excellent acting.
See all 8 parent reviews

What's the Story?

BODYGUARD follows heroic London police sergeant David Budd (Richard Madden) as he gets promoted to a security detail protecting British Home Secretary Julia Montague, an ambitious, pro-military politician. As a recovering victim of PTSD from his time in Afghanistan, Budd vehemently disagrees with Montague's politics, but he's sworn by duty to protect her. As her extreme anti-terrorism agenda raises her public profile, Montague becomes a target for assassination. But are her most dangerous enemies actually inside her own government? And is Budd's investigation more about covering his tracks than uncovering the culprits responsible for targeting his boss?

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (8 ):
Kids say (8 ):

Smart, tense, and full of twists, this series rewards attentive viewers with a dense mystery that doesn't insult their intelligence. In fact, its use of British police acronyms and government jargon (consider looking up the word "kompromat" before watching) will challenge even the most astute among the audience. That being said, this series keeps the suspense cranked up and is never dull, ponderous, or pretentious. In a television landscape peppered with increasingly dumbed-down crime shows, Bodyguard stands apart from the field by being serious without being solemn, political but not preachy, and surprising while never resorting to preposterous plot twists or illogical character motivations. It's riveting.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about Budd's personal conflicts in Bodyguard and the tension between duty and belief. What are some other occupations where that kind of conflict could exist?

  • Why do you think so many TV shows are set within complicated political regimes? What's interesting about the world of politics?

TV Details

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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.

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