Fargo

TV review by Kari Croop, Common Sense Media
Fargo Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 16+

Dark drama brings violence to generations in troubled town.

FX Drama 2014
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Parents say

age 14+

Based on 7 reviews

Kids say

age 13+

Based on 16 reviews

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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 Fargo paints a bleak portrait of a small town that blossoms into a hotbed of murderous activity. The second season is set 30 years in the past and features a new cast and new crimes to explore. Violence is a major theme, and depictions of it tend toward the bloody and realistic. There's also some simulated sex (but no nudity) and iffy language that ranges from "t-ts" to "p---y." Some characters drink and smoke cigarettes.

Community Reviews

Bob S.
Bob S. Adult
May 18, 2017
age 18+

Nudity in season 2

It should be no surprise that this series deals with murder, violence, betrayal, "innocent" people doing bad things, etc. The sex rating here is accurate for season 1. For season 2, though, there's a post-sex scene that shows a woman's bare behind, and almost shows her breasts, in that way where you almost think even more will be shown but something is barely blocked or the camera angle changes. Pushing boundaries like this is all too typical, unfortunately, for TV shows today.

This title has:

Too much sex
2 people found this helpful.
kyleReeselives
kyleReeselives Adult
September 23, 2020
age 16+

Great show with surprising morals

Sure, this show is violent and has treachery around many corners, which makes it unsuitable for kids. But I think Common Sense Media is being unfair with saying it promotes crime and that treacherous people can prosper, because it doesn't really do that. Sure, plenty of people do plenty of bad things, but they never truly get away with it. In the end, the bad guys get caught, and they're punished severely for their crimes. The cops always try to do what is right no matter what, and their persistence always pays off. And what's more satisfying than seeing an interesting bad guy do so many shocking things, yet fail to get away with it? That's life, it's okay to make a mistake, but if you do something truly horrible, don't expect to get away with it.

This title has:

Great messages
Great role models
Too much violence
1 person found this helpful.
See all 7 parent reviews

What's the Story?

Adapted from Joel and Ethan Coen's Oscar-winning film of the same name, FARGO follows an assortment of characters whose stories collide in chilling ways. In Season 1, a brooding drifter (Billy Bob Thornton) stirs up passions among the locals, including a mild-mannered insurance salesman (Martin Freeman) who's pushed into foul play. A dogged deputy (Allison Tolman) is determined to unravel the mystery, but her boss (Bob Odenkirk) doesn't buy her theories. Season 2 travels back in time to explore a crime syndicate and the people who get tangled up in its web.

Is It Any Good?

Hard-core Coen brothers fans were highly skeptical when FX announced plans for a miniseries based on one of the duo's best-known films, a movie known as much for its quotable dialogue as for its iconic performances. But breathe easy there, friends, because this stellar adaptation is a heck of a good one with ambitions that aim much higher than gimmicky "Oh, yahs!" and "You betchas!"

Of course, just because Fargo is quality television doesn't mean it's a good fit for every family, so parents of older teens should proceed with caution and be prepared to see some things that'll make everyone wince. More importantly, you should know your kid, know what he or she can handle, and know that at least there's an artful message lurking behind all that blood.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about Fargo's characters and whom, if anyone, we're supposed to root for. Is violence ever justified? Can Lester be a victim as well as a killer? Is Lorne a cut-and-dried villain or more of an antihero -- and what's the difference?

  • How does Fargo compare to other TV crime dramas, particularly when it comes to the level of violence? How would the series be different if it aired on network television as opposed to cable?

  • How does Fargo the TV series compare to Fargo the film? How many references to the movie can you find in the series? What about references to other Coen brothers films, from The Big Lebowski to No Country for Old Men?

TV Details

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