Common Sense Media Review
By Melissa Camacho
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Fresh spy thriller is offbeat, entertaining, and violent.
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Why Age 16+?
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Killing Eve
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 7 parent reviews
Based on 26 kid reviews
Kids say this show is praised for its excellent acting, particularly by Jodie Comer, and its intriguing story that weaves together dark themes with character development, making it suitable for teens over 12. However, it does contain violence and some mature content, striking a balance that resonates with both younger audiences and adults alike, though some viewers may find it a bit too intense or gory.
- engaging plot
- strong performances
- appropriate for teens
- contains violence
- dark themes
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
Adapted from Luke Jennings' Villanelle novellas and written by Fleabag's Phoebe Waller-Bridge, KILLING EVE is a British thriller about an undervalued security agent's efforts to find an international killer. MI5's Eve Polastri (Sandra Oh) wishes her professional career was more exciting. When her unit, which is headed up by annoying boss Frank Haleton (Darren Boyd), is informed by MI6 Operative Carolyn Martens (Fiona Shaw) that a Russian politician is murdered, her boss, Bill Pargrave (David Haig), puts Eve in charge of protecting the only witness to the crime. What transpires is a series of events that leads her to the highly skilled assassin known as Villanelle (Jodie Comer), a young, arrogant killer who keeps her handler, Konstantin (Kim Bosnia), on his toes. As time goes on, the story gets more twisted, and the connection between Eve and Villanelle gets more complicated.
Is It Any Good?
This entertaining, somewhat quirky spy series successfully challenges the rules of the genre by offering a well-written story that effectively combines thrills, suspense, and comedy. There's a fair share of tense, dark moments, often coupled with brutal violence, but they're offset with sharp, witty banter and well-timed jokes. This not only allows for the pace of each installment to energetically move forward, but makes it possible for Oh and Comer to play strong, standout roles that break away from the traditional.
The rest of the cast, played by outstanding actors like Shaw, Haig, Boyd, and Howell-Baptiste, also offer three-dimensional, well-rounded characters. But it's Eve and Villanelle's unconventional personalities, which range from smart but clumsy to ruthless but uniquely sensitive, that anchor the rich story world. The bottom line? Killing Eve breaks enough of the rules of a tried-and-true thriller formula to create a viewing experience that's both fresh and thoroughly enjoyable.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the way this series is written. What makes it different from other popular spy thrillers? What's similar?
While Killing Eve has its funny moments, it can also be very dark and violent. How are these characteristics balanced in the show? Are there moments when you think the humor doesn't work?
TV Details
- Premiere date : April 8, 2018
- Cast : Sandra Oh , Jodie Comer , Fiona Shaw
- Network : BBC America
- Genre : Drama
- TV rating :
- Award : Golden Globe - Golden Globe Award Winner
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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