Dear Edward
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Dear Edward
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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 Dear Edward is a drama that tracks a group of people whose lives been affected by a plane crash. Based on a book by Ann Napolitano of the same name, this show deals with physical and emotional trauma and has frightening images of an airplane experiencing severe turbulence and failed engines that ultimately crashes; only a 12-year-old boy survivies. Themes of loss and grief are prominent. Language includes "f--k," "s--t," "hell," and variations of these words. Character strengths include courage and perseverance.
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What's the Story?
In DEAR EDWARD, Edward (Colin O'Brien) and his brother, Jordan (Maxwell Jenkins), wrap up their lives in New York and get on a plane to move to Los Angeles so their mom can pursue her career. Their flight is filled with passengers from all walks of life. Turbulence on the flight becomes increasingly severe, the plane's engines fail, and it crashes in Colorado, leaving only one survivor, 12-year-old Edward. As the victims' families and friends try to piece their lives together, Edward has to start over at his Aunt Lacey's house (Taylor Schilling, Orange Is the New Black). Can those who grieve their family and friends heal from their loss? Or will pain cripple them forever?
Is It Any Good?
Taking sadness to the verge of misery, this show pokes at the underbelly of grief in a way that can sometimes feel voyeuristic. Pouring syrupy sentiment over already emotionally loaded content, the soundtrack tends to bury flashbacks and montages that could soar if left alone. But there are moments of connection and triumph in Dear Edward, and characters whose stories develop serve to intrigue.
Based on a true story about a boy who was the sole survivor of a plane crash, this show is based on producer Ann Napolitano's book. Showrunner Jason Katims (Friday Night Lights, Parenthood) brings veteran dramatic chops to the series. Parents and older teens can enjoy this together. Traumatic scenes could be triggering to sensitive viewers.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about courage in Dear Edward. How does courage help people in this show deal with their suffering? Does courage help you when you're in pain?
In order to continue with their lives after tragedy, the people in this show have to persevere. How does perseverance help you get through hard times?
Family members of the plane crash victims learn of the crash through the news and through social media. How does social media and the news inform you of important information? How do you make sure your news is accurate?
TV Details
- Premiere date: February 3, 2023
- Cast: Connie Britton, Colin O'Brien, Taylor Schilling
- Network: Apple TV+
- Genre: Drama
- Topics: Brothers and Sisters, Great Boy Role Models
- Character Strengths: Compassion, Courage, Perseverance
- TV rating: TV-MA
- Last updated: February 17, 2023
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