Common Sense Media Review
By Joyce Slaton
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Eye-opening sci-fi thriller has intrigue, scary visuals.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 16+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Legion
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 3 parent reviews
Based on 17 kid reviews
Kids say the show features a complex and intriguing storyline that blends elements of horror, psychological drama, and superhero themes, although it contains adult content such as violence, sex, and drug references that some viewers find unnecessary. Despite its dark themes and occasional confusion, many praise the show's unique visuals, creativity, and depth, making it a compelling watch for mature audiences.
- adult themes
- complex storyline
- stunning visuals
- psychological elements
- mature audiences
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
In the sci-fi drama LEGION, David Haller (Dan Stevens) is a young man who's spent most of his life in a mental institution, told that the voices he hears in his head are schizophrenia. But no matter what the doctors say, Haller can't shake the feeling there's more going on than just hallucinations. When he gets angry, objects fly through the air and people get hurt. What's more, he suspects he's not the only one with a little more than normal human abilities -- fellow patient Syd Barrett (Rachel Keller) also has a special talent, one that has to do with her hatred of being touched. When the two pair up and begin to realize just what they are -- and that there are people out there that mean to do them harm -- they're launched into a terrifying new reality.
Is It Any Good?
Cinematic, creepy, beautiful, and bizarre, this hallucinatory series may be both the best superhero show on the air and the best X-Men iteration yet. Beset by visions and (true?) delusions, Stevens is a bewildering, yet sympathetic character who makes it easy to imagine: What if it were me caught in an elaborate plot designed to rout out those who are different? As he attempts to ferret out the truth through dreams, confused memories, and communiques from ghosts and fellow mutants, we're just happy to be along for the ride.
Trippy visuals are just part of the pleasure here -- the costume designer is clearly having a wonderful time coming up with off-kilter 1960s outfits, and everything's lit in bloody red or eerie yellow. When David has a telekinetic fit, every tool in an office flies through the air to the dreamy strains of Jane's Addiction. Of course, if you've ever watched an X-Men movie you're one up on David, and know why he's being persecuted and just what he's up against -- but mesmerized viewers won't be able to stop themselves from binging on one more episode of Legion to find out what happens next.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how often fantasy and science fiction are ways to talk about tough real-world issues. Does the acceptance of the unreal make it easier to discuss the real? What real-world evils are represented by the agents who are hunting David and his fellow mutants in Legion?
What time period is the show set in? How can you tell? How does a show communicate its setting in costumes, styling, stage dressing?
What's the difference between science-fiction series and movies? What types of stories can be told in a movie vs. episodically on television? Which do you prefer?
TV Details
- Premiere date : February 8, 2017
- Cast : Dan Stevens , Jean Smart , Aubrey Plaza
- Network : FX
- Genre : Drama
- TV rating :
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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