Deception
Deception
Did we miss something on diversity?
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.
Suggest an Update
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 Deception is a dramatic series about an illusionist who uses his skills to help the FBI. There are lots of different magic tricks and illusions featured throughout, as well as some details about how they're performed. It's mild compared to other crime shows, but guns are fired, things explode, cars crash, and there's the occasional bloody wound. There's some sexual innuendo and social drinking, too. Magic is celebrated, and references to famous magicians like Penn & Teller and Criss Angel are common, but viewers of all ages shouldn't try the often dangerous tricks featured here at home.
Community Reviews
Report this review
Report this review
What's the Story?
DECEPTION is a unique crime-themed series featuring a magician trying to solve the ultimate trick. Cameron Black (Jack Cutmore-Scott) is a cocky and narcissistic world-famous magician enjoying fame and fortune in Las Vegas. But when a scandal ruins his career and rocks his personal life, Black finds himself consulting with the FBI under the suspicious eye of Special Agent Deakins (Laila Robins), and assisting Agents Kay Daniels (Ilfenesh Hadera) and Mike Alvarez (Amaury Nolasco) with catching elusive criminals. His magic team, consisting of Dina Clark (Lenora Crichlow), Jordan Kwon (Justin Chon), and Gunter Gustafsen (Vinnie Jones) use their skills to help. But while they impress the agency with their master illusions, Black must also find the mystery woman (played by Stephanie Corneliussen) who is trying to bring him down.
Is It Any Good?
This fun but improbable series combines crime solving with illusions designed to deceive and entertain. It highlights how magic tricks are designed to misdirect, deceive others, and encourage the mind to deceive itself in order to make sense of things we don't (or refuse to) understand. It's this thinking that encourages the fictitious investigators to think differently about how they approach each case.
Like many of the tricks it showcases, Deception is a little over-the-top. Its storylines are pretty absurd, and these larger-than-life illusions are unlikely to play out in a real-life crime solving scenario. But like a good magician, it's a series that is asking you to accept the unbelievable, and enjoy the experience. Some viewers may be willing, but others may not have the patience to do so.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the craft of magic and illusion in Deception. What kind of training do you need to have in order to become a "master of illusion"?
Deception highlights the role our minds play as we're watching and believing that an illusion is real. Do you think people really believe that what they are seeing and hearing is real? How can you tell when something is a trick of the mind?
TV Details
- Premiere date: March 11, 2018
- Cast: Jack Cutmore-Scott, Ilfenesh Hadera, Amaury Nolasco
- Network: ABC
- Genre: Drama
- Topics: Magic and Fantasy
- Character Strengths: Teamwork
- TV rating: TV-PG
- Last updated: October 13, 2022
Our Editors Recommend
-
Masters of Illusion
Amazing magic makes for fun family viewing.
-
Criss Angel Mindfreak
Magic + stunts = explosive entertainment.
-
Penn & Teller: Fool Us
Magic and skepticism mix in OK show for kids.
For kids who love magic and mystery
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate