Parents' Guide to

The Get Down

By Joyce Slaton, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 15+

Relatable characters in edgy but powerful hip-hop history.

TV Netflix Drama 2016
The Get Down Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

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

Community Reviews

See all
age 15+

Based on 6 parent reviews

Daniel Stone
Daniel Stone Adult
April 20, 2020
age 12+

Very sad ending, a lot of swearing and a lot of drug usage and dealing.

All the characters are almost always smoking weed, one of the characters takes heroin and cocaine and overdoses, they get involved with drug dealers and sell drugs. There is no sex but there is kissing and in one episode they go to a disco club where they imitate sex for money (no nudity + the song she sings is not 70s). A lot of swearing like motherfuc***, sh**, bi**, di**, and the N word. The music is great (apart from the one episode in season 2) you get really attached to characters and they feel relatable. Some kids would probably be shocked by the drug use and swearing but its fine for 12 up. A must watch on netflix. Sex 3, language 5, Drinking drugs and smoking 5, violence 3.

This title has:

Too much swearing
Too much drinking/drugs/smoking
CST88
CST88 Adult
April 15, 2020
age 18+

Great show; strong content

Disclamer: I am being objective in my review. Some of my comments may seem biased, but I am just going by observations of the show. You interpret as you see fit and decide if it's appropriate for you and your children. Great show about a group of black and latino youths in 1970s NYC with aspirations of fame. They show true friendship and concern for each other as does a teacher and the parents of one family. A few community members of the emerging hip hop underground lend a helping hand to the youths. Content Warnings: Drug use, profanity and sexual themes are abundant. Nudity is not visible, but is obvious that sexual activities are going on. A homosexual relationship is hinted (two boys kiss). Characters run into criminals with ill and violent intentions. Dysfunctional families are shown. One adult shows disdain for wife's nephew with verbal abused. It is mentioned a character's parents were murdered (prior to the events of the show). An man is revealed to have slept with his brother's wife and the father of his "niece". A Christian man (and pastor) is depicted as an overbearing and restrictive zealot, who is controlling of his wife and daughter. He is revealed to have a criminal and immoral past. A man is addicted to heroin and experiences an overdose.

This title has:

Great messages
Great role models
Too much sex
Too much swearing
Too much drinking/drugs/smoking
See all 6 parent reviews

What's the Story?

Among the crime, drugs, poverty, and burning buildings of the simmering South Bronx of the 1970s, legends, art, and even love flourish in THE GET DOWN. Conflicted Ezekiel (Justice Smith) writes tender poetry to Mylene (Herizen F. Guardiola), who views him as a friend only. Nothing can get in the way of her attempts to launch her music career. That's right -- the minister's daughter wants to become a disco star. Ezekiel's sights are set slightly lower; he'll settle for a little romance from Mylene or maybe getting a look at legendary local graffiti and kung fu master Shaolin Fantastic (Shameik Moore). Meanwhile, in the corridors of city power, corrupt politician Francisco "Papa Fuerte" Cruz (Jimmy Smits) and Holy Roller preacher Pastor Ramon Cruz (Giancarlo Esposito) scheme to keep the keys to their borough while keeping an eye on drug boss Fat Annie (Lillias White).

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (6):
Kids say (3):

Series creator Baz Luhrmann isn't exactly known for restraint, so the fact that this series is a surreal whirl of music and romance isn't a surprise -- but its sweetness and humor might be. It's awash in clichés -- Mylene and Ezekial are nothing more or less than a pair of star-crossed lovers straight out of West Side Story, Fat Annie would fit comfortably in with the dancing flappers of Chicago, and Smits rumbles and schemes like so many other corrupt politicos have in so many movies. Yet there's real magic in the way Ezekiel's liquid eyes watch Mylene every time she's on-screen or in the way Zeke and his friends describe how they'll know ghetto kung fu master and legendary criminal Shaolin Fantastic when they see him: "His pumas are always pristine -- his hands are samurai swords!" Like poetry, this is a story told in impressions and emotion, and it's messy and nonlinear. For example, an adult Ezekiel appears at the very beginning of the series to frame the plot that then unfolds, as if to point this out.

But it's mesmerizing and beautiful, too, and hard to stop watching. It may be a bit rough for hip-hop-crazed teens -- parents may want to watch first to check it out -- but it's a powerfully told story, with characters that make you want to keep watching.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

TV Details

Did we miss something on diversity?

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.

See all recommended tv lists

Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.

See how we rate