Parents' Guide to

Powerless

By Melissa Camacho, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 12+

Tech company keeps superheroes afloat in OK comedy.

TV NBC Comedy 2017
Powerless 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 14+

Based on 1 parent review

Julia M.
Julia M. Parent
May 22, 2017
age 14+

Age listing

I was surprised with this rating. The word Bitch is used very frequently and surprised by the rating given as I am not sure about my 13 year old listening it to. Your rating states no rating for language I suggest you re watch. Cute show. No violence and some sexual innuendos but nothing showeb

This title has:

Too much swearing
See all 1 parent review

What's the Story?

The first comedy series set in the DC Comics universe, POWERLESS follows the staff of a company specializing in products that protect bystanders from the damages caused by battling superheroes and supervillains. New director of research Emily Locke (Vanessa Hudgens) arrives at Wayne Security Company ready to lead the tech staff, including Teddy (Danny Pudi), Jackie (Christina Kirk), and Ron (Ron Funches), in developing new and innovative technology meant to help protect the citizens of Charmed City. But her team doesn't have a lot of faith in her, or themselves, when it comes to thinking up new and viable ideas. Meanwhile, Van Wayne (Alan Tudyk), the company's CEO (who also happens to be Bruce Wayne's cousin), isn't particularly motivated or supportive, either. But Emily is committed to finding ways to help people survive the chaos that comes with living in a city that is the center of superhero activity.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: (1):
Kids say: Not yet rated

This quirky workplace comedy centers on a Silicon Valley-type group of tech developers trying to stay ahead of the security game in a place buzzing with superhero activity. There's a little action as villains make their way in and out, but these events are never fully incorporated into the story and only serve as a backdrop for the challenges the tech team faces as it tries to remain relevant in the business.

Powerless is mildly funny, but many of the laughs come from the stereotypical personalities of the cast, the likes of which are often associated with people in the tech industry. There's also a lack of balance between the show's superhero/villain activity and what transpires behind company walls that makes the overall show feel unevenly developed.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about comics. What's made them so popular over the years? Do you have a favorite comic character? How do comics play into Powerless?

  • Should stereotypes ever be used to characterize a community or population? What if the generalizations are positive or funny? How can comedies such as Powerless portray people on TV without being stereotypical?

TV Details

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