Parents' Guide to Now & Then

TV Apple TV Drama 2022
Now & Then TV show poster

Common Sense Media Review

Melissa Camacho By Melissa Camacho , based on child development research. How do we rate?

age 15+

Bilingual thriller is edgy, steers clear of stereotypes.

Parents Need to Know

Why Age 15+?

Any Positive Content?

Parent and Kid Reviews

What's the Story?

NOW & THEN is a bilingual series about a group of college friends whose past deeds come back to haunt them. In 2000, six college friends in Miami, Florida, are celebrating their graduation partying on a beach, when a series of events leads to a fatal car accident. The surviving members of the group decide to stay quiet about what happened, especially when Detective Flora (Rosie Perez) begins to investigate. Twenty years later, a mysterious text message sent to each of them threatens to expose the truth of what transpired on that night if they don't show up at their college reunion. Meanwhile, Flora remains committed to finding out what really happened.

Is It Any Good?

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

The edgy thriller uses flashbacks as a way of telling a story that becomes more complicated as it moves forward. As the events that transpired in 2000 are revealed within the present time, viewers are reminded of what the characters aspired to become as young college graduates, and how they must negotiate one night of bad decisions throughout their individual journeys as adults. It's a solid plot, but what also makes Now & Then entertaining is the well-rounded cast of actors from the U.S. and Latino-centered entertainment industry, including folks like Marina Tavira, Soledad Villamil, Maribel Verdú, and José María Yazpik. The fact that they play roles that move away from common Latino tropes and stereotypes makes the drama that much better. Overall, it's a worthwhile series if you're looking for a weighty but well-produced viewing experience.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about making decisions when facing a difficult situation. Why is it important to do the right thing, even if the consequences will be hard to deal with? Do poor decisions made as a young adult always impact your adult life in some way?

  • How are the creators of Now & Then able to tell the story without relying on common stereotypes about Latino people and communities? Is this something that can be done in all media?

TV Details

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Now & Then TV show poster

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