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Parents' Guide to

The Family

By Joyce Slaton, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 15+

Dark, complex drama built around child rape and murder.

TV ABC Drama 2016
The Family Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this TV show.

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What's the Story?

Secrets within secrets and tension-filled twists are what you'll find in THE FAMILY, a dark drama that centers on Claire Warren (Joan Allen), a mother of three who lived through a parent's worst nightmare: Ten years ago, her kindergarten-age son Adam disappeared during a family outing. Hank (Andrew McCarthy), a creepy neighbor with a sex-offender background, was convicted of Adam's murder by crusading detective Nina (Margot Bingham). But now, mysteriously, a teenage Adam (Liam James) has reappeared, bearing stories of a kidnapping and a mysterious man who has held him hostage. Or is it Adam? His siblings, ambitious Willa (Alison Pill) and messy, traumatized Danny (Zach Gilford), have their suspicions -- and their skeletons in the closet. His parents, Claire and estranged husband John (Rupert Graves), are just thrilled to have their son back. Or are they? Claire certainly is willing to use his return to boost her candidacy for governor of Maine, while John isn't so willing to overlook everything that's happened in the last decade.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: Not yet rated
Kids say: Not yet rated

Created by former Scandal co-executive producer and longtime Shonda Rhimes collaborator Jenna Bans, this drama bears the ShondaLand stamp in all the best ways. The writing is soapy and crisp, the characterizations deft, the acting five-star all the way, particularly on the parts of three-time Oscar nominee Allen and Pill as her hard-bitten daughter and chief political operative. Anyone who's tuned in to Scandal or How to Get Away with Murder will be familiar with the Shonda-like doling out of secrets, the sudden reveals, and the simmering intrigue. The central question of the show -- is the returned Adam an impostor or the real thing? -- is just one of the many mysteries to be slowly solved as the action flips from one well-drawn character to the next. This is appointment TV at its finest or binge-worthy fare you won't be able to stop watching.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the show's premise. If a family member came back after 10 years, would you recognize him or her? How would you know?

  • Many dramatic shows employ what are known as "twists." The show leads you to believe one thing is true, then suddenly reveals the actual truth. How are twists different from regular plot turns?

  • Are viewers supposed to like the Warren family? How can you tell? Which members are we supposed to sympathize with the most strongly?

TV Details

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Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

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