Common Sense Media Review
By Joyce Slaton
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Lovely adaptation of popular romance has language, nudity.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 16+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Normal People
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 7 parent reviews
Based on 16 kid reviews
Kids say that the show offers a deeply moving portrayal of relationships, but it also contains numerous graphic and uncomfortable scenes, including themes of sexual violence, nudity, and exploration of complex emotional issues that may not be suitable for younger audiences. While some viewers were surprised by the explicit content, others appreciated the authentic depiction of life and love, suggesting it is best suited for older teens and mature audiences who are prepared for its challenging themes.
- graphic content
- mature themes
- emotional depth
- suitable for older teens
- authentic portrayal
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
Based on the bestselling 2018 book of the same name by author Sally Rooney, NORMAL PEOPLE tells the story of Marianne (Daisy Edgar-Jones) and Connell (Paul Mescal), who begin the story as seniors in an Irish high school from two distinctly different social classes: Connell is a popular athlete, while Marianne is a reviled outsider. Yet a shared attraction brings them together and they begin a life-changing romance that ebbs and flows as they head off to college and into adulthood.
Is It Any Good?
Luminous and enchanting, this naturalistic love story is a worthy adaptation of the romance novel that made such an international splash that its author has been labeled the voice of her generation. Much of the praise critics have heaped on Normal People (the book) revolves around how authentically Connell and Marianne come off: occasionally ugly, often confused and contradictory, yet magnetically drawn to each other and wonderfully relatable in their fumbling approach to love that's shot through with moments of transcendent beauty and genuine connection. All of these qualities, thankfully, come through in the screen adaptation. Edgar-Jones and Mescal generate enormous chemistry, even before the many sex scenes they share together.
Speaking of said scenes, they're unusual and sometimes awkward, and the camera gives both parties equal attention. Viewers are signaled that they're in for something a little different during the first episode, when Marianne and Connell arrange to meet at Connell's empty house. Terrified, yet eager to move forward, Marianne asks plaintively "Can we take our clothes off now?" It feels real. But better. And so does this lovely series.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how this series depicts love and romance. Is this what a relationship is "supposed" to be like? Why or why not? How does the series treat sex? Is it realistic? Parents can talk to kids about the real-life impact and consequences of sexual activity.
Most of the actors cast in Normal People as teens are in their 20s. Does that make it harder for them to believably play teens? Why would older actors be cast instead of teens? Would this show be uncomfortable to watch if the cast was mostly actual teens?
How do the characters on Normal People demonstrate humility and communication? Why are these important character strengths?
TV Details
- Premiere date : April 29, 2020
- Cast : Daisy Edgar-Jones , Paul Mescal , Desmond Eastwood
- Network : Hulu
- Genre : Drama
- Character Strengths : Communication , Humility
- TV rating :
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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