Common Sense Media Review
By Joly Herman
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Language, brutality, smoking in taut Irish historical show.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Say Nothing
What's the Story?
In SAY NOTHING, it's the year 2001, and a man with a recording device asks a woman to describe the period in her life when she lived in Belfast, 29 years prior. The woman begins to describe growing up in a home where her father's years spent in prison as a political prisoner were a source of pride for her family. A time of revolt and violence in Ireland, she speaks of being involved in peaceful protests, during which she and her sister marched for equal rights for Catholics in Belfast. As her tale is told, her involvement in an underground movement becomes more apparent. How much of the truth will she share? Will she reveal untold plots?
Is It Any Good?
Rife with bloody detail, this intense historical thriller sheds light on a time in Irish history shrouded in mystery. Say Nothing does what good historical dramas can do; it hooks the viewer with intriguing characters and reels them in with a driving narrative.
Language and brutality would preclude this show from being recommended for sensitive viewers. Older teens and families fascinated by political upheaval will be most drawn to this series. The feminist subtext offers another layer of interest for students of history.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about communication in Say Nothing. As per the title, telling secrets in a precarious political situation can lead to death and destruction. Can you think of situations when your words held such power?
Standing up to oppressors requires courage. When is rebellion crucial? When is it better to hide, or flee?
When working in secret for a revolutionary cause, characters in this show must exercise self-control or perish. What techniques do you use to stay calm in challenging times?
TV Details
- Premiere date : November 14, 2024
- Cast : Lola Petticrew , Hazel Doupe , Emily Healy
- Network : Hulu
- Genre : Drama
- Topics : Activism , Family Stories ( Siblings ) , History
- Character Strengths : Communication , Courage , Self-control
- TV rating :
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
Suggest an Update
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate