Common Sense Media Review
By Marty Brown
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Great 1980s-set drama about AIDS epidemic has sex, drugs.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 16+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
It's a Sin
What's the Story?
IT'S A SIN begins with Ritchie (Olly Alexander), Roscoe (Amari Douglas), and Colin (Callum Scott Howells) each leaving their respective homes and setting out for London in 1981. Within a few months, they've all, along with friend Jill (Lydia West), become roommates as well as central figures in a small but thriving community of gay men. As friends within their circle begin to get sick with a mysterious, fatal disease, Ritchie, Roscoe, and Colin become aware of AIDS, which seems to be mostly affecting the gay community.
Is It Any Good?
Writer-producer Russell T. Davies has quickly become one of the most significant voices in television, with the rare ability to absorb and respond to culture in real time with powerful shows like this one. 2019's Years and Years explored how technology affects people in ways they're not psychologically prepared for, and it's not difficult to draw parallels between It's a Sin's depiction of the AIDS epidemic in London and the way America and Britain have responded to the coronavirus pandemic.
But while Years and Years was often difficult to watch, It's a Sin, for all of its frank depictions of disease and prejudice, is often a lot of fun. Davies keeps the series focused on community: how surrogate families can offer strength and support through crisis and tragedy, but also how communities can help otherwise marginalized people find a sense of identity and joy in togetherness.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about It's a Sin's depiction of friendships. What brings the roommates together? What are their relationships with one another like? What can you learn from them to form genuine and supportive friendships in your own life?
How does AIDS change the small community that the roommates are in? How do each of the characters respond? What are some of the choices they start to make differently? How do they help one another? How could the public and authorities have better helped them?
How do the characters demonstrate courage and integrity? Why are these important strengths?
TV Details
- Premiere date : February 18, 2021
- Cast : Olly Alexander , Omari Douglas , Callum Scott Howells , Lydia West
- Network : Max
- Genre : Drama
- Topics : Activism ( LGBTQ+ rights ) , Friendship , History
- Character Strengths : Courage , Integrity
- TV rating :
- Awards : BAFTA - BAFTA Winner , BAFTA - BAFTA Nominee
- Last updated : April 28, 2026
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