Common Sense Media Review
By Kari Croop
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Dark, mature drama paints humanity with a devastating brush.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 17+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
The Leftovers
What's the Story?
Three years after a strange phenomenon saw 2 percent of the world's population essentially vanish into thin air, THE LEFTOVERS are sifting through what remains of humanity and trying to make sense of what happened. Among them are small-town chief of police and father Kevin Garvey (Justin Theroux), whose wife (Amy Brenneman) joined a mysterious cult and left him to raise their teenage daughter (Margaret Qualley); a soon-to-be married woman (Liv Tyler) who's being courted by cult leaders; and a charismatic guru (Paterson Joseph) who claims he can hug people's pain away.
Is It Any Good?
Based on Tom Perrotta's bestselling novel of the same name, The Leftovers puts a sobering spin on the popular post-apocalyptic genre, eschewing action to explore the remnants of a shattered society riddled with pain. But that pain is so effectively communicated through disturbing visuals -- from a pack of roving dogs mauling a defenseless deer to partying teens pressing red-hot forks into their skin -- that the series is a total downer, and some won't be able to stomach the despair.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about The Leftovers and its generally dark take on humanity. Do you think it's accurate or deeply exaggerated? How do you think the world would react in the wake of a similar event?
How does The Leftovers compare to the Tom Perrotta novel upon which it's based? What changes, if any, were made to the plot to adapt it for television? What are the benefits -- and potential drawbacks -- of having the author involved in the writing process?
How accurately does The Leftovers portray teen culture? Can teens handle the content, or is it better suited for adult viewers?
TV Details
- Premiere date : June 29, 2014
- Cast : Justin Theroux , Liv Tyler , Amy Brenneman
- Network : HBO
- Genre : Drama
- Topics : Book Characters
- TV rating :
- Last updated : October 1, 2025
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