Common Sense Media Review
By Marty Brown
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Oddly dull high-concept plague comedy has dead bodies, sex.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
The Decameron
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
Inspired by an 14th-century Italian collection of short stories, The Decameron follows a group of Florentine nobles trying to escape the Black Death by sequestering themselves in a villa in Tuscany. They quickly discover how difficult it is to keep the plague out, but the real challenge might just be having to put up with one another.
Is It Any Good?
Viewers who expect to tune into a broad comedy like Monty Python and the Holy Grail, will instead find a unique series that splits the difference between a comedy of manners and a classic farce. The Decameron uses Shakespearean devices like mistaken identity, class warfare, and dramatic irony to drive its rambunctious plot. Unfortunately, it never really comes together, remaining more clever than funny, despite the obvious parallels between the plague and the COVID pandemic. Plus, the eight-hour, eight-episode format undercuts the basic nature of farce, which should be quick-moving. It may seem weird to criticize a series set in medieval times for not feeling contemporary enough, but even Shakespeare's plays were period pieces, yet he always found a way to make old stories resonate with modern audiences.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about medieval times. Where is The Decameron set? What historical events are happening during the series? Why would this setting be funny for modern audiences?
What are some ways this show uses dramatic irony? What does the audience know that the characters don't?
Do any of the characters have positive attributes? What is the show trying to say about these characters or these types of characters? Do any of them find redemption?
TV Details
- Premiere date : July 25, 2024
- Cast : Zosia Mamet , Saoirse-Monica Jackson , Tony Hale
- Network : Netflix
- Genre : Comedy
- Topics : History
- TV rating :
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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