Common Sense Media Review
By Emily Ashby
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Fantastic family-focused adventure explores the vast ocean.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 7+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
The Deep
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 9 parent reviews
Based on 12 kid reviews
Kids say that this show remains popular among teenagers and is recommended for all ages due to its blend of adventure and education, with memorable characters and themes of teamwork and environmental care. However, some critics find it overly simplistic and limited in representation, suggesting that it could reinforce stereotypes and give unrealistic portrayals of environmental issues.
- popular among teens
- educational and fun
- themes of teamwork
- simplistic portrayal
- stereotypes present
- strong characters
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
THE DEEP is an oceanic adventure series that follows the Nekton family, a team of scientists who explore the darkest places in the sea to search for clues to ancient underwater legends and creatures. Guided by the mysterious Nereus (voiced by Lee Tocker), Ant (Vincent Tong) leads the charge to reveal the secrets long held by the Guardians. Using high-tech exploration vehicles and state-of-the-art equipment, he and his sister, Fontaine (Ashleigh Ball), and their parents, Will (Michael Dobson) and Kaiko (Kathleen Barr), set out for the darkest places along the ocean floor to find clues to lost pirate colonies, sea serpents, and the like.
Is It Any Good?
This expertly rendered show's family-focused content and exciting adventures make it an excellent pick for families to enjoy together. It's brimming with mystery that even grown-ups will find genuinely entertaining, and it's one of those rare offerings that places parents in the middle of the action instead of off to the side in a more observational role. With Ant, Fontaine, and their parents working side by side, there are plentiful examples of positive relationships (including siblings!) and problem-solving.
The Deep dabbles in the stuff of legends, raising the prospect of giant sea serpents, sunken cities, and mystical age-old forces. Grade-schoolers will enjoy the blurred line between possibility and probability, but the suggestions might be too heavy for younger kids. What's more, the show is intense in parts, and characters face precarious situations that could frighten youngsters, so make a date to enjoy this one with your older kids.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the roles within the Nekton family in The Deep. Who, if anyone, is in charge? Do others ever override another person's authority or break the rules? What are the consequences when that happens? By comparison, how stringent are the rules in your house?
What shared interests do your family members have? Is there such a thing as too much togetherness for your family? How do you find time for yourself when you're part of a group? Is that important to you, or do you enjoy being in the middle of goings-on?
This series suggests that there's still much for scientists to discover about the past and the future. Do you agree? Is research money spent on uncovering secrets of the past well spent? Why, or why not?
How do the Nektons demonstrate teamwork in The Deep? Why is this an important character strength?
TV Details
- Premiere date : June 1, 2016
- Cast : Vincent Tong , Ashleigh Ball , Kathleen Barr
- Network : Netflix
- Genre : Kids' Animation
- Topics : Family Stories ( Siblings ) , Animals ( Ocean Creatures ) , Pirates
- Character Strengths : Teamwork
- TV rating :
- Award : Common Sense Selection
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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