Parents' Guide to

Little Women

By Emily Ashby, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 9+

Strong female characters shine in classic book adaptation.

TV PBS Drama 2018
Little Women Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this TV show.

Community Reviews

See all
age 9+

Based on 3 parent reviews

h.bloomenthal
h.bloomenthal Adult
April 4, 2019
age 9+

Hmmm.

Honestly, we wanted to love this movie, but it just didn't hold up as well as the Winona Ryder version from the 1990's. Yes, we're that family that has read the book and seen BOTH versions of the movie. In this one, the March girls are oddly all about the same age. Which confused the kids. It's also clearly a British production, not that I have anything against the Brits, but this is a classic American book and it just feels like BBC. Which normally I enjoy, but this time, not so much. It just wasn't as emotional as the 1994 version, or as interesting as the book.

This title has:

Great messages
Great role models
1 person found this helpful.
Denise A.
Denise A. Parent of 8, 10 and 13-year-old
April 24, 2019
age 9+

This version is odd, others are better.

In order of preference, based on my children's level of interest and/or boredom; 1. the Winona Ryder/Christian Bale version from the 90's. 2. the Katherine Hepburn movie from the 30's. 3. This one, in which they have odd accents, and all the sisters appear to be the same age.
See all 3 parent reviews

What's the Story?

LITTLE WOMEN revisits Louisa May Alcott's classic tale of the March family in 19th century New England. As the Civil War rages on farther south, the four March sisters -- Meg (Willa Fitzgerald), Jo (Maya Hawke), Beth (Annes Elwy), and Amy (Kathryn Newton) -- preserve their home with dwindling resources and weather their father's absence with their mother, Marmee (Emily Watson). When a handsome young man (Jonah Hauer-King) moves in next door and befriends them, he takes a liking to Jo, but her feisty and independent nature keeps distance between them. Meanwhile, Meg finds a suitor of her own, reclusive Beth tries to break out of her shell, and impetuous Amy forges her way out of the shadows of her older sisters. As time passes and the Marches suffer losses, their devotion to each other becomes even more important.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (3 ):
Kids say (1 ):

This interpretation of Alcott's work is beautifully and creatively adapted. Its ensemble cast is impeccably suited to their respective roles, with a notable performance by Angela Lansbury as the sharp-tongued Aunt March, and the welcome presence of Michael Gambon as the Marches' neighbor, Mr. Lawrence. Hawke's Jo is divine, expertly treading the thin line between feminine futurist and troublemaker, and ever delighting viewers with ideas that challenge the norms of her time and are more in line with the feminine experience of today. This series' use of music and transitionary scenes of nature are nontraditional, but they give this version a flair that's distinct from those before it.

What this version of Little Women doesn't tamper with is Alcott's emphasis on family relationships, overcoming struggles, perseverance, coping with loss, and finding yourself. The characters' individual evolutions are stories unto themselves, and juxtaposing them creates a tapestry of representations of life and love as experienced by different people with varying personalities. Because of the richness of the emotions experienced, this series is great for a teen audience, but its compelling storytelling is a worthwhile choice for parents to watch alongside them.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about how this take on the classic story compares to others before it and to Alcott's book. If you're familiar with several, which is your favorite and why? Does this Little Women feel too modern? How do period dramas use costumes and dialogue to set a different scene than the current one?

  • What are this story's messages about siblings and family relationships? Are they always happy and joyful? What outside influences can affect these relationships? Can you relate to any of the squabbles that erupt among the March sisters? What about the genuine affection they share?

  • This story boasts several strong female characters, all for different reasons. Do you have a favorite? What qualities do you most admire in her? How do the characters demonstrate perseverance, teamwork, self-control, and other life skills?

TV Details

Did we miss something on diversity?

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

See all recommended tv lists

Related Topics

Want suggestions based on your streaming services? Get personalized recommendations

Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.

See how we rate