Common Sense Media Review
By Kari Croop
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Post-apocalyptic adventure balances violence, family themes.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Revolution
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 4 parent reviews
Based on 15 kid reviews
Kids say the show offers a mix of engaging characters and a captivating storyline, though critics point out its excessive violence and some inappropriate content for younger viewers. Despite varied opinions on acting and production quality, many find it a thrilling watch worth recommending for mature teens, while others express disappointment over its tone and content.
- engaging characters
- excessive violence
- mature audience
- mixed reviews
- thrilling watch
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
REVOLUTION is in the air 15 years after an unexplained catastrophe shut down all forms of technology and destroyed modern life as we know it, creating a fractured society ruled by fear and vigilante justice. Now, before she loses everything, young Charlie Matheson (Tracy Spiridakos) must honor her father's wishes to find her Uncle Miles (Billy Burke) -- a man she's never met -- and rescue her brother, Danny (Graham Rogers), from the grasp of ruthless militia leaders who've taken him into custody. But those in power are looking for Miles, too, in hopes that he knows why the planet went dark in the first place.
Is It Any Good?
Although Revolution's plot is technically original, you can't shake the feeling that you've seen shreds of it before in The Hunger Games, FlashForward, and countless other movies and TV shows in the post-apocalyptic genre. Yet, déjà vu aside, the series still manages to pull you in with effective drama (thanks to series creator Eric Kripke, who also dreamed up Supernatural) and well-paced action that employs both flashbacks and cliffhangers for maximum impact.
Much like the short-lived Steven Spielberg-produced series Terra Nova -- with which it also has a lot in common -- Revolution succeeds at combining highly watchable action with family-centric themes that make it a great choice for parents and older kids to watch together. It also centers on a strong young heroine who knows how to hunt and wield a weapon, which, considering the explosive appeal of The Hunger Games, probably isn't a bad thing, either.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Revolution's premise and whether a catastrophic loss of power could ever take place on a global scale. Could you imagine life without your cell phone, computer, or car? Are we too dependent on technology?
In the wake of a global disaster, do you think society would become more violent, less violent, or stay about the same? What position does the show seem to take -- and do you think that's realistic?
What's the appeal of post-apocalyptic storylines -- from TV shows like Revolution to books (and movies) like The Hunger Games? Do we watch them with any trepidation or merely tune in to be entertained?
TV Details
- Premiere date : September 17, 2012
- Cast : Billy Burke , Giancarlo Esposito , Tracy Spiridakos
- Network : NBC
- Genre : Science Fiction
- Topics : Adventures , Family Stories ( Siblings )
- TV rating :
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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