Common Sense Media Review
By Matt Cabral
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Blood, gore, and language in fun video game-based comedy.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Golden Axe
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
GOLDEN AXE is based on the 1989 Sega arcade game of the same name. It stars the classic franchise's main cast of heroes, sword-wielding warrior Ax Battler (Liam McIntyre), female sorceress Tyris Flare (Lisa Gilroy), and tough-as-nails dwarf Gilius Thunderhead (Matthew Rhys). As in the original game, and its many sequels and spin-offs, the series sees the brave trio seeking vengeance against primary antagonist Death Adder. While the show retains the high fantasy setting and creature-slaying, combat-fueled action of its source material, Golden Axe isn't a serious or straightforward adaptation, but rather a self-aware comedy aimed at a more mature audience, including fans who grew up with the game.
Is It Any Good?
This animated video game adaptation is a winner—an unapologetic comedy, packed with smart writing, self-deprecating humor, and plenty of references fans of the source material will enjoy. Best of all, while Golden Axe pokes plenty of fun at video game tropes and gaming culture, it does so with great respect for the medium, its fans, and the Sega classic that inspired it. While not all of its jokes land with the impact of a battle axe, the series is a breezy, fun romp that high fantasy fans will appreciate, especially if they grew up pumping quarters into 1980s arcade cabinets.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about video game adaptations take. Do you prefer faithful adaptations or those that take liberty with the source material to deliver something different? Do game-based series make you want to experience the games they're based on? Do these adaptations build on the original games in a positive way or diminish their quality?
Is cartoon, game-inspired violence different from live-action depictions of violence? Is the series' violence similar to what you'd see and experience in a video game? Do you feel the show is violent only because fighting was a defining part of the game, or does it also support the adaptation's story and characters?
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What does the series say about friendships and teamwork? Do the characters react appropriately when their relationships are fractured? How do the characters react to newcomers joining their group?
TV Details
- Premiere date : September 16, 2026
- Cast : Matthew Rhys , Danny Pudi
- Network : Paramount+
- Genre : Comedy
- Topics : Adventures , Fantasy ( Fairy Tales , Monsters )
- Character Strengths : Communication , Courage , Perseverance , Teamwork
- TV rating :
- Last updated : October 1, 2026
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