Common Sense Media Review
By Melissa Camacho
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Poignant pandemic series has laughs, tears, mature content.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 16+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Social Distance
What's the Story?
Co-created by Orange Is The New Black's Jenji Kohan, SOCIAL DISTANCE is a Netflix fictional anthology series that features people trying to stay connected while being forced to stay apart thanks to the COVID-19 quarantine. It's the beginning months of the pandemic, and people are keeping their distance, sheltering in place, and interacting through their phones, tablets, and computers. From a family holding a remote funeral service to honor their deceased patriarch, to a man who is recently single, unable to work, and trying to keep his demons in check while living alone, it showcases how people from all walks of life struggle to find ways to keep human interaction going during extremely isolating times.
Is It Any Good?
This poignant series, produced remotely during the COVID-19 quarantine, uses drama and humor to capture the individual experiences of people who have no choice but to rely on technology to connect with one another. Actors like Oscar Nunez, Danielle Brooks, Mike Colter, Steven Weber, and Heather Burns are just some of the many performers who, along with some of their real family members, create the humorous and emotional interactions, most of which take place via platforms like Zoom, FaceTime, Nest, and even dating apps like Grindr.
There are some fun, laugh-out-loud moments, as well as scenes that underscore the overwhelming feelings of desperation and loneliness when you aren't free to spend time with the people you want to be with. Social Distance also addresses some of the strong emotions surrounding the death of George Floyd at the hands of police officers and the controversial protests that followed. Viewers will be hard pressed not to find something they can relate to as they watch.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the different stories presented in Social Distance. Are there any that reflect some of your own experiences? How does watching these stories make you feel?
Media technology like cell phones, tablets, and computers play a major role in keeping people connected during the pandemic. How do we keep ourselves and our children spending too much time online when we need extended screen time during the pandemic to remain connected, work, and go to school? Check out some some of the CSM resources available to help find the right balance.
TV Details
- Premiere date : October 15, 2020
- Cast : Oscar Nunez , Mike Colter , Heather Burns , Danielle Brooks
- Network : Netflix
- Genre : Drama
- Topics : Family Stories ( Siblings ) , Friendship
- Character Strengths : Communication
- TV rating :
- Last updated : September 30, 2025
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