Parents' Guide to

Outcasts

By Elka Karl, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 15+

Post-apocalyptic sci-fi drama depicts a violent future.

TV BBC America Science Fiction 2011
Outcasts Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this TV show.

Community Reviews

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age 11+

Based on 1 parent review

yuigy
yuigy Parent of 9-year-old
February 6, 2013
age 11+

Outcast Review

It is quite violent and short lasting!

This title has:

Too much violence
Too much swearing
Too much consumerism
Too much drinking/drugs/smoking
See all 1 parent review

What's the Story?

As a result of war, life on Earth is nearly unsustainable in the year 2040, forcing at least some part of Earth's population to relocate to the mysterious planet Carpathia. This group of refugees has created the makeshift city of Forthaven, where the residents are led by President Tate (Liam Cunningham), with a close assist by Stella (Hermione Norris), who leads the Protection and Security (PAS) team. The residents of Forthaven pin their hopes on a spaceship transporting a new group of humans, one of whom sees himself as a messiah of sorts (Eric Mabius). Set against this hopeful backdrop is the story of one of the refugees, Mitchell Hoban (Jamie Bamber), who makes some shocking choices and leaves the relative safety of Forthaven to explore the rest of the Carpathia. When two PAS team members follow him into the wilderness, they encounter surprising and shocking evidence of life on the planet.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (1):
Kids say (1):

Those viewers who were hoping for a Battlestar Galactica-worthy sci-fi series may be seriously disappointed by OUTCASTS, a series imported from the U.K. (where it was short-lived).

The story's pace is slow, with character-driven plot advancements punctuated by quick and disturbing scenes of violence. While the story is supposedly about humanity's potential for redemption, the series often serves only to remind viewers of humanity's capacity for deception and violence.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about depictions of violence. Why does the show use such brutal violence? What purpose, if any, does it serve in advancing the plotline?

  • This show has been cancelled in the United Kingdom. Do you think it will reach a more accepting audience in the United States? What are the differences between successful U.S. vs. U.K. shows?

  • What kinds of imagined technology appears in this show? Do you think any will become reality? Can you think up any new kinds of technology? Who creates new ways to use technology?

TV Details

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