Common Sense Media Review
By Ashley Moulton
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Sex, drugs, and language in mediocre fashion biopic.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 16+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Halston
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
This 5-part drama series is based on the life of HALSTON, played by Ewan McGregor, and follows the American designer's meteoric rise and subsequent fall: from when he burst onto the scene after first lady Jackie O. wears one of his hats to the inauguration, to when he loses control of his empire (and over his cocaine habit). As Halston builds his fashion house with help from interesting characters like friend and muse Liza Minnelli (Krysta Rodriguez), model Elsa Peretti (Rebecca Dayan), and illustrator Joe Eula (David Pittu), they also get wrapped up in the glamorous New York City disco scene at Studio 54. But their hard-partying lifestyle eventually catches up with them.
Is It Any Good?
For fashion superfans, the series offers delicious insight into the business side of fashion and the 1970s New York City disco scene. The costumes—both Halston's creations and the characters' everyday outfits—are superb. But beyond that, the series falls fairly flat. The writing hits viewers over the head with obvious dialogue and predictable storytelling. Halston's biography is outlined, but the show doesn't explore his inner world at all. As a result, it's hard to care much about the characters. Fashion-interested teens may enjoy this peek behind-the-scenes, but the mediocre show quality, with the combination of mature elements (such as seeing a character inject heroin in the office bathroom), may turn them off.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the lessons to be learned from Halston's personal and professional life. In what ways was he a cautionary tale? In what ways did he find the success he was seeking?
How do you think the series handles portrayals of gay people? What do you think it would have been like to be a gay man in 1960s/70s New York City? How did Halston create a community?
How did Halston's artistic vision change throughout his career? Do you think you would be able to develop a clear point of view in a creative field? How do you balance the business side of work as an artist?
TV Details
- Premiere date : May 14, 2021
- Cast : Ewan McGregor , Rebecca Dayan , David Pittu , Krysta Rodriguez , Gian Franco Rodriguez
- Network : Netflix
- Genre : Drama
- Topics : History ( Biopic )
- TV rating :
- Awards : Emmy - Emmy Award Winner , Emmy - Emmy Award Nominee , Golden Globe - Golden Globe Award Nominee
- Last updated : October 24, 2025
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