Parents' Guide to Madoff: The Monster of Wall Street

Madoff: The Monster of Wall Street TV show: Poster

Common Sense Media Review

Stephanie Snyder By Stephanie Snyder , based on child development research. How do we rate?

age 15+

Language, smoking, white-collar crime in dark docuseries.

Parents Need to Know

Why Age 15+?

Any Positive Content?

Parent and Kid Reviews

What's the Story?

MADOFF: THE MONSTER OF WALL STREET depicts the events that led to the takedown of the largest Ponzi scheme in history. It takes viewers through Bernie Madoff's humble beginnings, establishing his unquenchable desire to succeed and disprove those who doubted him. Through dramatic reenactments and analysis from employees, victims, and those who studied and interacted with Madoff himself, the docuseries chronicles his rise to renown in the finance world, and his demise to notoriety for financial fraud.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say : Not yet rated
Kids say : Not yet rated

This captivating account and analysis of one of the most notorious crimes in history reminds viewers that honesty is the best policy. Madoff: The Monster of Wall Street, with its dark filters and slow-motion dramatic reenactments, conveys the gravity of the crime that Bernie Madoff executed over the course of decades. The episodes are fast-paced and loaded with information, so binge-watching is most likely not the best way to watch. But the issues uncovered – from ethics and oversight to greed and fraud – are sure to expose (and potentially reshape) thoughts on white-collar crime and its impact on society.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about integrity in Madoff: The Monster of Wall Street. Madoff is portrayed as smart and motivated, but he lacks integrity. How? Do you think the other employees are also dishonest? Why or why not?

  • How does the documentary use light and slow motion to convey the darkness of the subject matter? How do the comments by authors, journalists, former employees, and victims demonstrate the magnitude of this crime? Do you think the dramatic reenactments add to the documentary or take away from it? Why?

  • What is the difference between white-collar crimes and blue-collar crimes? Do you think one is worse than the other? Why?

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

Madoff: The Monster of Wall Street TV show: Poster

What to Watch Next

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