Clark
Clark
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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 Clark is a crime drama series about the infamous Swedish criminal of the same name. There's domestic violence, lots of gun violence, fighting, some bloodshed, murder, and general chaos. Scenes of explicit sex, with some sensitive body parts shown. Scenes suggest age-inappropriate sexual activity between a boy and an adult woman. Strong repetitive use of words like "f--k," "s--t," "bitch," "damn," "retarded," "son of a bitch," "hell," "bastard," and "p---y." Many characters smoke cigarettes and weed, and there's excessive drinking and partying.
Community Reviews
A very funny guy with no moral scruples.
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What's the Story?
Home is where the crime and chaos is, according to CLARK. This series is based on real-life criminal Clark Oloffson (Bill Skarsgård), whose crimes inspired the phrase "Stockholm Syndrome." But his story starts at the very beginning, where we watch Clark grow into his chaotic tendencies through juvenile crimes. As Clark grows, his crimes grow -- from selling beer and cigarettes as a child to theft and vandalism as a young adult. Occasionally this life of sex, lies, and crime catches up to him. But according to Clark, "Even a bad day on a run is a good day."
Is It Any Good?
This show follows a charmingly anarchic criminal whose chaotic and dangerous lifestyle, selfish tendencies, and crass outlook on life and people make it not for kids. Bill Skarsgård, best known for playing Pennywise in It, leans into his charisma; amidst the corruption and debauchery, it makes the moments where Clark is humanized, reflective of his actions, or even selfless that much more refreshing. That said, these moments for Clark are few and far between. There's an opportunity for discussions on accountability, but it appears that even when Clark loses he seems to win, so that may fall short.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Parents can talk about shows about true criminals, particularly ones glamorized like Clark. How do they depict Clark Oloffson? Do you think criminals should get shows made about them? Why do you think the media produces this type of content?
Why do we sometimes root for villains?
Do you think the media is the right forum to explore this kind of negative behavior? Why or why not?
TV Details
- Premiere date: May 5, 2022
- Cast: Bill Skarsgård, Vilhelm Blomgren, Sandra Ilar
- Network: Netflix
- Genre: Drama
- TV rating: TV-MA
- Last updated: February 19, 2023
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For kids who love true crime and drama
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