Common Sense Media Review
By Emily Ashby
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Classic espionage drama is dated but still hits the mark.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 10+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
The Man from U.N.C.L.E.
What's the Story?
THE MAN FROM U.N.C.L.E. stars Robert Vaughn as Napoleon Solo, a top agent with the secretive agency called United Network Command for Law and Enforcement, or U.N.C.L.E. for short. Solo's partner is Illya Kuryakin (David McCallum), a Soviet collaborator who joins Solo on missions against their main adversary, T.H.R.U.S.H., at the direction of the agency's head, Alexander Waverly (Leo G. Carroll). Tasked with uncovering and sabotaging plans of government takeovers and high-profile assassinations throughout the world, Solo and Kuryakin work out of an undercover New York office disguised as a tailor shop. In many cases, they employ the help of local citizens while they're on location.
Is It Any Good?
More than half a century after it first aired, The Man from U.N.C.L.E. still manages to entertain, even with its rudimentary effects and significant cheese factor in comparison to the modern caliber of dramas. Much of its appeal can be attributed to Vaughn, who's exceptional in the leading role, and his working relationship with his able Soviet counterpart. Their cooperation was groundbreaking in the '60s, given political tensions at the time, but now it's just another quality feature of this long-respected series.
The Man from U.N.C.L.E. also shows its age in pristine content that's unburdened by any strong language, minimal sexuality (mostly suggestions), and violence that's mostly blood-free. Yes, people are still killed (always the bad guys), but it's pretty sanitary viewing. What does stand out are the interactions between men and women, which usually are laced with sexual suggestions and knowing smiles. Even so, if you're looking for a spy drama that's safe to share with your tweens, this classic might fit the bill.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about what differences stand out between the world in the 1960s (as it's presented in this show) and the world now. How has technology changed how we combat danger? Are we safer now because of it, or does it raise new threats?
How are women portrayed in this show? Do you think it's an accurate representation of how they were received in the workplace and in the home during this era? Have we reached true gender equality of late?
This series draws clear distinctions between the good guys and the bad guys. Is such a distinction less obvious in real life? Have you ever taken someone at his or her word only to be hurt by your trust? How, if at all, does something like that change how you relate to people?
TV Details
- Premiere date : September 22, 1964
- Cast : Robert Vaughn , David McCallum , Leo G. Carroll
- Network : Online
- Genre : Drama
- TV rating :
- Last updated : March 13, 2020
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
Suggest an Update
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