Common Sense Media Review
By Monique Jones
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Slow-burn WWII-set drama has violence, language.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
The Defeated
What's the Story?
THE DEFEATED is a simmering mystery within a police drama set amid the ruins of Germany after WWII. The series follows Max McLaughlin (Taylor Kitsch), a New York police detective who takes an assignment to help re-establish a German police unit. While on assignment, McLaughlin tries to find what happened to his older brother, leading to gruesome clues.
Is It Any Good?
This show is a dark, slow-burn series that would be fantastic for viewers who love anything dealing with WWII. The Defeated focuses on a time period in Germany that is glossed over in American history classes -- when Germany was recovering from the wreckage and embarrassment of the war. While the Nazis were defeated, Germany's average citizenry -- people who were left behind who didn't support the Nazis -- were left to clean up mess and face harm from American, Russian, and German troops alike. It's fascinating to consider what it might have been like for Germany's people to pick up the pieces after this dark time in German history.
Kitsch often doesn't get the credit he deserves in Hollywood for his commitment to his roles, and seeing how The Defeated hasn't been renewed yet, it would seem that trend sadly continues. However, the actor is wholly devoted to his role as Max and centers the series with his nods to the classic hard-boiled detective archetype. Max's co-lead at the police department, superintendent Eliza (Nina Hoss), is caring, warm, and exhibits courageous leadership thanks to Hoss' portrayal. Overall, The Defeated seems like a small cult classic in the making for those who love the history and culture of post-WWII Europe.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the series' focus on WWII. How does the war inform the series?
How do Max and Eliza help re-establish a police department in war-torn Germany?
How are courage, perseverance, and teamwork represented within the police department?
How does violence add or detract from the series' storyline?
TV Details
- Premiere date : October 30, 2020
- Cast : Taylor Kitsch , Michael C. Hall , Nina Hoss , Tuppence Middleton
- Network : Netflix
- Genre : Drama
- Topics : History
- Character Strengths : Courage , Perseverance , Teamwork
- TV rating :
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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