Parents' Guide to

Taboo

By Melissa Camacho, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 16+

Dark, violent period drama explores a mysterious history.

TV FX Drama 2017
Taboo 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 18+

Based on 4 parent reviews

Jamesifer
Jamesifer Adult
April 11, 2021
age 16+
Fmk007
Fmk007 Adult
July 25, 2018
age 18+

Tom Hardy Badass!

Loved it can't wait for part 2. This character fit Tom Hardy to a T. It has it all, suspenseful action, horror, gore and twists, but it amazes me how it all goes Tom's way. You don't know either to love him or hate him...but you always find yourself backing him. Always left me wanting more

This title has:

Too much violence
Too much swearing
Too much drinking/drugs/smoking
See all 4 parent reviews

What's the Story?

TABOO is a British series starring Tom Hardy as adventurer James Keziah Delaney, protecting his father's mysterious legacy while avenging his death. It's 1814, and after a ten year stint in Africa, Delany returns to London and decides to keep the mysterious parcel of land known as Nootka Sound on the west side of North America that his father left him with plans to build his own trade and shipping empire. However, he knows that Sir Stuart Strange (Jonathan Pryce), the powerful Chairman of the East India Company, will stop at nothing to keep him from succeeding. Also complicating his situation is the war between England and America, his complex relationship with his half-sister Zilpha Geary (Oona Chaplin), and his own haunted past. As he navigates the brutal underworld of the trading business with the help of Brace (David Hayman), his father's loyal servant, Delaney remains driven by the need to punish those who wronged his family and face the darkness of his own demons.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (4):
Kids say (3):

This entertainingly dark and intense period drama, based on a story written by Tom Hardy and his father, creates a mysterious world filled with complex narratives and deeply flawed characters. It starts a bit slow, but soon gains momentum as the tale unfolds. Meanwhile, James Delaney is as complicated as he is coarse, making the grittiness of his journey both harsh and compelling.

Despite some controversy surrounding the series' depiction of the East India Company and its activities during that time period, the story is ultimately a unique work of fiction steeped in British history, primitive folklore, and the supernatural. The interpretation of the ruthless trade industry of the era on both sides of the Atlantic also makes it a fascinating watch. For those who like mature, edgy period pieces with substance,Taboo decidedly delivers.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about period dramas like Taboo. How do actual historic events influence these kinds of stories?. It is appropriate to change historic details for the sake of entertainment? What are the risks with doing this?

  • Why is the series called Taboo? Is the show intended to make a statement about historic events, or is it simply intended to be a work of fiction?

TV Details

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