Little Women
By Emily Ashby,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Strong female characters shine in classic book adaptation.
Add rating
A Lot or a Little?
What you will—and won't—find in this TV show.
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Little Women
Community Reviews
Based on 3 parent reviews
Hmmm.
Report this review
This version is odd, others are better.
Report this review
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?
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
- Premiere date: May 13, 2018
- Cast: Emily Watson , Willa Fitzgerald , Maya Hawke
- Network: PBS
- Genre: Drama
- Topics: Book Characters , Brothers and Sisters , Great Girl Role Models , History
- Character Strengths: Perseverance , Self-control , Teamwork
- TV rating: TV-14
- Last updated: June 19, 2023
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.
Suggest an Update
Where to Watch
Our Editors Recommend
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