Parents' Guide to Citadel

TV Prime Video Drama 2023
Citadel TV show: The title "Citadel" runs diagonally down the image with a woman in a red dress pointing a gun in one direction and a man in a suit pointing a gun in another direction.

Common Sense Media Review

Stephanie Morgan By Stephanie Morgan , based on child development research. How do we rate?

age 14+

Formulaic spy show is a feast for the eyes; has violence.

Parents Need to Know

Why Age 14+?

Any Positive Content?

Parent and Kid Reviews

age 18+

Based on 2 parent reviews

age 13+

Based on 1 kid review

What's the Story?

In CITADEL, a top-secret spy agency of the same name reports to no country and exists as "the last defense for good in the world." The story picks up eight years after an explosion has robbed the agency's two top agents (Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Richard Madden) of their memories. As they piece together their past, they must also fight to save the world from an evil organization known as Manticore.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say ( 2 ):
Kids say ( 1 ):

Mr. & Mrs. Smith meets Alias, with less-talented actors, this is a highly stylized show that won't win any awards for realism or originality. The Citadel plotlines are juvenile, and its two stars emote like they're in a soap opera. Nevertheless, the series has drool-worthy wardrobes, exotic locales, impressively choreographed fight scenes, and plenty of familiar faces, including Priyanka Chopra Jonas (The White Tiger) and Richard Madden (Game of Thrones). Stanley Tucci (The Hunger Games) also adds his signature brand of playful snark. The result is a slick, fast-paced ride that's entertaining -- just don't think about it too hard.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the violence in Citadel. Do the graphic depictions of people being shot and stabbed feel necessary to the story? How did it affect you while watching? Would you have been affected differently if the plot was more realistic?

  • What do you think of the funny elements of the show? Do you enjoy action movies and shows more when they have some light moments? Why, or why not?

  • What do you think about the use of flashbacks? Does it help tell the story, or is it overdone?

TV Details

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Citadel TV show: The title "Citadel" runs diagonally down the image with a woman in a red dress pointing a gun in one direction and a man in a suit pointing a gun in another direction.

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