Common Sense Media Review
By Emily Ashby
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Fresh take on fairy tales is moody fun for families.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 12+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
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Once Upon a Time
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 91 parent reviews
Parents say that this show is a captivating modern twist on classic fairy tales, offering strong character development and engaging storylines, although it includes themes of violence, mild profanity, and some sexual references that may not be suitable for younger audiences. Many families enjoy watching it together, highlighting its potential for sparking meaningful conversations, while some parents suggest that it’s best suited for tweens and teens due to its more mature content.
- twists on fairy tales
- engaging storylines
- strong character development
- mild profanity
- suitable for teens
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 421 kid reviews
Kids say the show offers an exciting twist on classic fairy tales, blending elements of drama, fantasy, and romance, which many find enjoyable and engaging. However, parents caution that it includes mature themes, such as violence, mild cursing, and some sexual references, making it more suitable for tweens and teenagers rather than younger children.
- twists on fairy tales
- suitable for older kids
- mild language
- includes violence
- mature themes
- engaging storyline
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
ONCE UPON A TIME takes place in Storybrooke, Maine, a town inhabited by fairy tale characters who've been robbed of their memories by the Evil Queen, Regina (Lana Parrilla), who used a dark spell she got from Rumpelstiltskin (Robert Carlyle). Only Emma Swan (Jennifer Morrison), the long-lost child of Snow White (Ginnifer Goodwin) and Prince Charming (Josh Dallas), can break the curse. During the first six seasons, Emma and her son, Henry (Jared S. Gilmore), try to save Storybrooke, leading to an epic battle between good and evil. During the seventh season, an adult Henry (Andrew J. West) faces new evils and meets new characters in Seattle.
Is It Any Good?
The entertaining, imaginative series is a sharply written modern spin on fairy tales that combines drama, romance, and suspense in a truly magical way. Once Upon a Time brings together a wide range of favorite characters, including stand-bys like Red Riding Hood (Meghan Ory), Peter Pan (Robbie Kay), and Rumpelstiltskin (Robert Carlyle) and more contemporary characters like Merida (Amy Manson) and Princess Elsa (Georgina Haig). The story takes generous liberties with the content of the original narratives in order to allow viewers to engage with them in exciting new ways. Purists might take issue with this aspect of the show, but the formula allows for creative plot lines to drive the show through its seven seasons.
This isn't your kids' fairy tale collection, however, nor is it a suitable bedtime story for little ones. It's dark, intense, occasionally sexy, and at times too violent for younger kids. The constant plot twists and the characters' unpredictable motivations can be worrisome, too. It does, however, promise a fun experience for older viewers craving something outside the repetitive realm of sitcoms, dramas, and reality shows. Overall, Once Upon a Time is a fun journey that will have you rooting for underdogs, cheering for true love, and embracing a world that's as clever as it is enchanting.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Once Upon a Time's version of reality. Do the residents of Storybrooke lead lives that reflect your impression of reality? Do you think people turn to entertainment for a reflection of their own lives or an escape from it?
Teens: Do you like this show's interpretation of fairy tales? How do their stories diverge from the originals you know? If you could rewrite a classic tale, which would it be? Which fairy tale character would you like to meet?
What do you think the intention of Once Upon a Time is? Does it offer any positive lessons you can relate to your own life? Does entertainment always have to have a point? Which of your favorite shows would you say has educational qualities?
TV Details
- Premiere date : October 23, 2011
- Cast : Ginnifer Goodwin , Jared Gilmore , Jennifer Morrison
- Network : ABC
- Genre : Drama
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic , Fairy Tales ) , Book Characters
- Character Strengths : Courage , Perseverance , Teamwork
- TV rating :
- Last updated : March 10, 2026
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