Parents' Guide to Cyberpunk: Edgerunners

TV Netflix Anime 2022
Cyberpunk: Edgerunners TV show poster.

Common Sense Media Review

Melissa Camacho By Melissa Camacho , based on child development research. How do we rate?

age 17+

Well-produced, violent video game adaptation isn't for kids.

Parents Need to Know

Why Age 17+?

Any Positive Content?

Parent and Kid Reviews

age 12+

Based on 22 parent reviews

Parents say that while this show has gained a reputation for being intense and explicit, many found it to be milder than expected, especially when compared to the original game; it includes some sexual content and violence, but it's not overwhelmingly graphic. Most reviewers suggest that with proper parental guidance and discussions about its mature themes, it can be an appropriate watch for older children, particularly those who are already familiar with similar media.

  • less explicit than expected
  • contains mature themes
  • parental guidance suggested
  • suitable for older children
  • stylized violence
Summarized with AI

age 15+

Based on 35 kid reviews

Kids say this show is a masterpiece that offers a powerful and emotional experience, but it's definitely not suitable for children or those sensitive to intense content. Many viewers praised the animation, storytelling, and character depth, while simultaneously warning about the graphic violence, extensive nudity, and strong language that permeate the series.

  • emotional impact
  • intense violence
  • graphic nudity
  • strong language
  • mature content
Summarized with AI

What's the Story?

Based on the video game Cyberpunk 2077, CYBERPUNK: EDGERUNNERS is an anime series (available dubbed and subtitled in English) about a teen from the wrong side of the tracks who becomes an underworld mercenary in order to stay alive. David Martinez (Zach Aguilar/Kenichiro Ohashi) is an underprivileged high school kid in the Dominican Republic living with single his mom Gloria (Gloria Garayua/Yurika Hino) in Night City, a place where the technology is modern and people have cyber implants that have to be regularly updated. When tragedy strikes, David drops out of school, and has some advanced cyber technology he found implanted into his spine with the help of Ripperdoc (Borge Etienne/Kenjiro Tsuda). Unlike most people, his body doesn't reject the augmented technology, and now has the power to move while stopping time and space for others. After connecting with a hacker named Lucy (Emi Lo/Aoi-Yuki) he joins an underworld group of gangsters known as Cyberpunks, who are more than willing to have him on their side because of his abilities. However, the more augments (aka "chrome") people add to their bodies, and the more powerful they become, the bigger the chance they'll fall into a state of cyberpsychosis. But David believes that he is different.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say ( 22 ):
Kids say ( 35 ):

The edgy, violent, and well-produced anime series takes place in the Cyberpunk 2077 universe, but offers its own standalone narrative. It features a different cast from from the video game, but incorporates elements from it, including some cameo appearances and specific augments and settings that will be recognizable to those who play it. Nonetheless, Cyberpunk: Edgerunners tells a good story in its own right, and you don't have to be familiar with the game to appreciate it. But you do have to be old enough to handle its mature content, because it isn't meant for kids.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the challenges that come with adapting a video game narrative to a TV series. What elements of Cyberpunk 2077 are featured in this series? Why were some elements chosen and not others?

  • What messages does Cyberpunk: Edgerunners send about the role of technology in our lives and how we live it? What does it tell us about power?

TV Details

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Cyberpunk: Edgerunners TV show poster.

What to Watch Next

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