Common Sense Media Review
By Emily Ashby
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Cheesy mythological drama can't overcome budget effects.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Olympus
What's the Story?
In ancient Greece, a young man named Hero (Tom York) turns to a powerful Oracle (Sonya Cassidy) to help him unravel the mysteries of his past and the truth to his destiny. Initially reluctant to help him, the Oracle eventually reveals that Hero holds the key to opening the doors to the mythical Olympus. OLYMPUS follows the story of how a handful of mere mortals led by Hero banished the gods to the underworld.
Is It Any Good?
When it's done well, mythology makes for compelling TV drama. Sadly that's not the case with the abundantly cheesy Olympus, whose industrious cast can't overcome some pretty awful special effects and a chronically confusing story line. There are some moments that do entertain, particularly in the banter between Hero and the never-demure Oracle, but even those encounters are obscured by the campy green-screen scenery.
Olympus tries to keep the action rolling with ample battle scenes and the slowly evolving story of Hero's destiny, and those with a real passion for mythology may enjoy the show's take on familiar characters such as Medea (Sonita Henry) and Daedalus (Matt Frewer). But for the average viewer looking for something inspiring, this tale of gods and mortals is way off the mark.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how the quality of a show's graphics affects its overall appeal. Can a good plot overcome poor special effects? How has CGI changed our expectations of a "good" production?
Is the violence in Olympus excessive or appropriate, given the subject matter and the intended audience? Do TV ratings do enough to educate viewers about this kind of content?
TV Details
- Premiere date : April 2, 2015
- Cast : Tom York , Sonya Cassidy , Sonita Henry
- Network : Syfy
- Genre : Drama
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Book Characters
- TV rating :
- Last updated : October 1, 2025
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