Common Sense Media Review
Darker, more adult magical quest for the Harry Potter set.
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The Magicians
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 18 parent reviews
Parents say that this TV show contains excessive elements of drug and alcohol use, foul language, and sexual content, which many reviewers find overwhelming and inappropriate for younger viewers. While some acknowledge the potential for deeper themes and good storytelling, the pervasive crude content and lack of appealing characters detract significantly from its value, leading to a consensus that it is not suitable for children.
- excessive content
- inappropriate for kids
- lack of substance
- poor character portrayal
- mixed reviews
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 25 kid reviews
What's the Story?
In THE MAGICIANS, Quentin Coldwater is a clinically depressed student on the verge of college graduation whose fantasy life provides him little comfort as he faces down adulthood. Part of growing up, he explains, is "selling the comic book collection and getting serious." Inward, nerdy Quentin is overjoyed to discover that his grad school interview is actually a test to join the exclusive Brakebills school for magicians. He passes with distinction, but his best friend Julia isn't so lucky. After flunking it, she desperately seeks to hone her magic outside the Ivy leagues. Back at Brakebills, Quentin flourishes -- but also unwittingly helps a malevolent force known only as the Beast gain entry to the magical campus, leading to the murder of a teacher. The ensuing fallout will test Quentin and his new Brakebills compatriots.
Is It Any Good?
The misfits-turned-wizards premise is grounded in solid fantasy footing in this series; devotees of the genre will see much from Harry Potter and Narnia. The well-worn trope of young people finding themselves at the center of grand magical battles has a great amount of power in today's fantasy-favoring landscape. The quality of the show's source material lays a solid foundation for the series to contrast well-worn concepts with a more adult treatment of these themes.
Wisely, the show has aged its protagonists from undergrads to grad students. This frees its characters to engage in the experimentation that helps to set this young-adult identity-crisis story apart from its genre progenitors. If the time it's broadcast doesn't drive home that The Magicians is for older teenagers, it should be stated: Morally and ethically dubious decisions form the core of this show, and depression, self-harm, death, strong sexual innuendo, and murder are key elements of the story. As lead character Quentin states in the first episode, "Be warned: This adventure is no mere children's tale," and as a result, it's best left for older viewers.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about why people like to imagine worlds like the one in The Magicians in which magic is real. How would magic change your life for the better? For worse?
Do you have favorite books that have been made into TV shows or movies? What changes were made, and why?
How do the characters in The Magicians demonstrate curiosity and courage? What about perseverance and teamwork? Why are these important character strengths?
TV Details
- Premiere date : January 25, 2016
- Cast : Jason Ralph , Stella Maeve , Olivia Taylor Dudley , Hale Appleman , Arjun Gupta , Summer Bishil
- Network : Syfy
- Genre : Drama
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Adventures , Friendship
- Character Strengths : Courage , Curiosity , Perseverance , Teamwork
- TV rating :
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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