Parents' Guide to Love, Victor

TV Hulu Comedy 2020
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Common Sense Media Review

Joyce Slaton By Joyce Slaton , based on child development research. How do we rate?

age 11+

Earnest LGBTQ+ spin-off series is endearing and lovely.

Parents Need to Know

Why Age 11+?

Any Positive Content?

Parent and Kid Reviews

age 12+

Based on 11 parent reviews

Parents say that while the series is engaging and addresses significant themes of identity and acceptance, it is not suitable for younger audiences due to mature content involving sexuality, drinking, and social issues. Many reviews suggest that the show is better for teens aged 12 and up, as younger viewers may struggle to comprehend its themes and the behaviors depicted.

  • mature content
  • age-appropriateness
  • positive messages
  • family viewing
  • character development
Summarized with AI

age 12+

Based on 52 kid reviews

Kids say the show featuring a gay teen romance is praised for its representation and emotional depth but becomes more graphic in later seasons, making it less suitable for younger audiences, with many recommending it for viewers aged 12 and up or older. While the first season is considered more appropriate for younger viewers, the second and third seasons introduce significant sexual content, which has led to various opinions on suitable viewing ages.

  • emotional depth
  • diverse representation
  • graphic content
  • recommended age
  • strong messages
Summarized with AI

What's the Story?

Set in the same universe as the 2018 hit movie Love, Simon, LOVE, VICTOR is about a high school sophomore named Victor (Michael Cimino) who moves from Texas to Simon's old home town, and attends the same high school, where Simon's romantic legacy is remembered by all. Like Simon, Victor is interested in his male classmates; unlike him, he comes from a conservative, religious Latin family in which his sister Pilar (Isabella Ferreira) is supposed to be the rebellious one, while Victor's mom (Ana Ortiz) calls her oldest son her "rock." Things are indeed pretty rocky for Victor at his new school, for despite the friendly presence of his new neighbor and friend Felix (Anthony Turpel), Victor immediately develops a rivalry with cocky basketball player Andrew (Mason Gooding), a confused flirtation with classmate Mia (Rachel Hilson), and a monster crush on openly gay Benji (George Sear).

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say ( 11 ):
Kids say ( 52 ):

Deeply loved by lots of cinemagoers, Love, Simon has nonetheless been criticized for its privileged, White point of view, which this sweet spin-off series seems determined to address. As the camera pans over boxes filled with trophies, a drawing of the state of Texas, and a Puerto Rican flag, we understand that Love, Victor's main character comes from a different background than Simon's (Nick Robinson) polished upper-middle-class origins. The subsequent scene of Victor's mom trying to find the right place for the family's crucifix points out a few more differences, as does Victor beginning the show with a DM to his predecessor: "Dear Simon: Screw you."

Of course, viewers will note that Victor is still a conventionally attractive teen who passes for straight and who has a loving (if more fraught) relationship with his parents. He also quickly develops a cadre of supportive friends. Gritty TV this is not. While Love, Victor isn't as groundbreaking as it might have been at another time, it's charming and easy to love—just like Victor himself.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about how Love, Victor depicts teens. Are the characters and their decisions realistic? What about the consequences of those decisions? Do these characters seem like people you might know? Why, or why not?

  • How does Love, Victor depict bullying? What should teens do if that happens to them? What should they do if they see it happening to someone else? How does Victor handle it? Positively or not?

  • The actors playing teen main characters range from 18 to 24 years old in real life. Does that surprise you? Why do you think adults often portray teens in movies and TV shows?

  • How do Victor and other characters demonstrate courage and perseverance? Why are those important character strengths?

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

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