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Parents' Guide to

The First

By Joyce Slaton, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 14+

Space exploration drama has language, strong emotion.

TV Hulu Drama 2018
The First Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

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

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age 16+

Based on 7 parent reviews

thing66
thing66 Parent of 14-year-old
April 16, 2019
age 17+

Meant for very mature teens.

It has nudity in almost every episode, like in episode three where it has a sex scene in the very begining of the episode, and in episode five where you see a topless woman.
nathanielks
nathanielks Adult
January 12, 2019
age 18+

Complex emotional drama, unexpected nudity

I am really, really enjoying this show. The characters have depth, the pacing is well done, they're exploring complex personal issues, and aren't using a cookie-cutter way of telling stories. It's very engaging. It's important to note there's a number of scenes with upper female nudity in addition to sex scenes a few episodes the first season that I was not expecting due to the main show review. I really wish they weren't present because they're completely unnecessary for the story. They start around episode 3 if I recall. That episode's opening scene is a sex scene with nudity. Additionally, there are scenes depicting drug use some parents may not want to be showing their kids. A non-graphic but very emotional suicide is also depicted.
See all 7 parent reviews

What's the Story?

In a (slightly) futuristic world, the crew of the Providence hopes to be THE FIRST humans on Mars. But when the launch doesn't go as planned, it's up to aerospace magnate Laz Ingram (Natascha McElhone) and disgraced commander Tom Hagerty (Sean Penn) to pick up the pieces, figure out what went wrong, and, in the midst of personal conflicts, decide whether the mission can go on.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (7 ):
Kids say (1 ):

Viewers lured by this drama's space exploration angle may be disappointed to find a slow-burning character study instead of a zippy space epic, but that's not intended as an insult. On the contrary, the writing is good, and the acting positively terrific -- Sean Penn still has it, and Natascha McElhone is sublimely easy to watch as steely corporate queen Laz Ingram. Though Hulu's marketing of the show is heavy on the imagery of astronauts in suits and sunrises as seen from space, we spend a lot more time in Hagerty's house, watching him shave and pal around with his dog, and on hangar floors and corporate meeting rooms with Laz, which is where the real drama takes place.

Like every compelling drama, The First picks up in the middle of something big, while secrets simmer in the background. Just what happened between Tom and his wife and daughter that left him living monastically solo? What series of decisions led to Laz okaying the Providence launch, and where will the Mars program go now that the mission's in tatters? Patient viewers who appreciate truly adult drama won't mind waiting for the answers.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about why space exploration is such a popular topic for drama and fantasy. What about this setting intrigues? Why are filmmakers and TV creators drawn to it? What dramatic possibilities does it hold?

  • How do the characters in The First demonstrate courage and empathy? Why are those important character strengths?

  • This drama is rated TV-MA for language. Is the language integral to the story? Is it realistic? Is this the way people really talk? Do you think this drama should be watched by mature viewers, or should it be watched by anyone? Why?

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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