Common Sense Media Review
By Joly Herman
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Indigenous Canadian forced-adoption drama has language.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Little Bird
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
In LITTLE BIRD, Esther and her fiancé are being celebrated before their wedding. Esther dodges the comments about how "exotic" she looks by being polite and darting through the crowd of fawning people. But when she takes a break from the party, she overhears her fiancé's mother criticizing Esther's Indigenous background, ranting that Esther's not going to produce Jewish babies, and is basically not welcome in the family. Esther must now decide whether she'll marry into a family that has racist views. But first, she has to look inside to find out how she really feels about her own disrupted past.
Is It Any Good?
Brutal, moving, complicated, and realistic, this series doesn't shy away from the complexity of systematic forced adoption of Indigenous people in North America. Nearly unbearably sad scenes of families being torn apart by a system that marginalizes Native people can be excruciating to watch. Little Bird doesn't set out to tell viewers everything is OK; it's telling viewers that forced adoption is absolutely not OK.
Sensitive viewers and families with adoption stories might want to take this one slowly because there's a lot to digest. The pacing isn't racing anyone to the finish line. There's lots of exploration in the unflinching nature of the storytelling.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about courage in Little Bird. When Esther is confronted by the racist behavior of her fiancé's family, she begins to search her own feelings about adoption. What is the most courageous thing you've been asked to do?
When families are torn apart in this show, some people have compassion for the victims, while others have no mercy. When does compassion inspire you to do what's right?
Even when feelings are confusing, good communication can help people understand what's going on. Who are the trusted people in your life who allow you to communicate freely?
TV Details
- Premiere date : October 12, 2023
- Cast : Darla Contois , Ellyn Jade , Alanna Bale
- Network : PBS
- Genre : Drama
- Topics : Activism , History
- Character Strengths : Compassion , Courage , Curiosity
- TV rating :
- Award : Common Sense Selection
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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