Parents' Guide to How to Become a Mob Boss

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How to Become a Mob Boss TV Poster: Two silhouette men point guns at each other on top of a money pile.

Common Sense Media Review

By Ty'Kira Smalls , based on child development research. How do we rate?

age 15+

Satirical mob docuseries full of violence, swearing.

Parents Need to Know

Why Age 15+?

Any Positive Content?

  • How to Become a Mob Boss Trailer
  • Animation of Al Capone in “How to Become a Mob Boss.”
  • Animation of Al Capone looking at a wanted poster of himself.
  • Ex-mobster Sammy Gravano gives a testimonial in “How to Become a Mob Boss.”

Parent and Kid Reviews

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What's the Story?

HOW TO BECOME A MOB BOSS dives into the most infamous faces of the organized crime world. Narrated by Peter Dinklage, this true-crime docuseries utilizes humor and animation to illustrate the lives and careers of Al Capone, Frank Lucas, Salvatore "Totò" Riina, John Gotti, Whitey Bulger, and Pablo Escobar. Testimonials from former ex-mafia members, historians, and family members shape the reality of the crime world back then and current times. Experts in the field give detailed accounts of the mob bosses' history, showing how they rose to power and sometimes fell from grace.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say : Not yet rated
Kids say : Not yet rated

This show takes viewers on a humorous and bloody ride through mob history. How to Become a Mob Boss cleverly combines animation, archival footage, and satire to make an informative and intriguing docuseries. Having expert interviews and testimonials from people previously involved in the mob makes for a bold, authentic viewing experience. Fans of its predecessor series, like How to Become a Cult Leader and How to Become a Tyrant will enjoy this. The violence, language, and alcohol/drug references make this suitable for older teens.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the satirical way the mafia is presented in How to Become a Mob Boss. Does this series make being in a mob more appealing? Is there a danger to presenting dangerous characters and illegal activities like this? What if it was portrayed more seriously?

  • Families can talk about the different ways the media portrays organized crime. How does the portrayal of the mob in TV shows like The Sopranos compare to what these organizations are really like?

  • Why do you think people are interested in organize crime stories, especially when it's about people doing bad things?

TV Details

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How to Become a Mob Boss TV Poster: Two silhouette men point guns at each other on top of a money pile.

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