Common Sense Media Review
By Joyce Slaton
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Sci-fi violence, real magic in small-screen Star Wars show.
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The Mandalorian
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 36 parent reviews
Based on 126 kid reviews
Kids say the show is an exciting and family-friendly installment in the Star Wars universe, featuring a lovable main character and engaging storylines suitable for a range of ages, though some viewers note it contains moderate violence and mild language. While praised for its entertaining plots and adorable side character, Grogu, some parents advise caution for younger children due to scenes that could be considered too intense or violent.
- kid-friendly
- engaging storylines
- moderate violence
- mild language
- lovable characters
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
Set after the fall of the Empire depicted in the original trilogy of stories in the Star Wars universe, THE MANDALORIAN depicts a new hero. The Mandalorian (Pedro Pascal) is a lone wolf hard at work in the furthest reaches of the universe after the collapse of the Empire and the birth of the democratic New Republic. The Mandalorian comes from an ancient race of warriors and bounty hunters, a sort of dark mirror to the noble Jedi fighters, and until now, he has been content to uphold his people's traditions. But when a mysterious new job brings him into contact with a life form he never imagined he'd face, the Mandalorian is suddenly willing to take desperate chances to protect what he holds dear and to adopt a responsibility to a creature who holds immense power and can affect all life in the galaxy.
Is It Any Good?
Existing in a recognizable Star Wars universe yet telling a unique story of its own, this small-screen extension of the film franchise is, in a word, cool. Unlike other recent Star Wars narratives that circle rather obsessively around the Han-Luke-Leia story, The Mandalorian branches out with a character who's built on something of an Easter egg from 1977's A New Hope. Boba Fett was the most minor of characters who inspired major mystique; choosing a Boba Fett-like character to center this series on is an inspired choice. The series looks amazing too: Plenty of money was spent making a fantastically immersive world with creatures fans will recognize (Jawas and Kubaz and Kowakians, last seen giggling from Jabba the Hut's throne), and fascinating new characters. As the show has expanded into multiple seasons, it has deepened both its own lore and that of the larger Star Wars franchise. It includes favorite characters from other movies, including Ahsoka Tano (Rosario Dawson) and Bo-Katan Kryze (Katee Sackhoff), both of whom figure into a sprawling premise involving themes of honor, obligation, falls from grace, and redemption.
The Mandalorian himself is something of a lone gunslinger, making his way in a world beset with dangers. He's also a tragic figure with a dark past, and Pascal does an excellent job of making him sympathetic despite a full-face mask. Like other Star Wars entries, The Mandalorian gets into some fan service: Franchise nerds will flinch happily when Ewok holiday "Life Day" pops up, and as the seasons play out, characters, planets, and complications reappear from other Star Wars narratives, including book series. But unlike other entries that felt like they were circling the drain of an increasingly overly fleshed-out story, The Mandalorian feels fresh and newly enchanting. And as the series goes on, the emotional stakes heighten between Mando and the child placed in his charge, which lends richness to the sci-fi battles and planet-hopping. Star Wars lore is complicated and unfriendly to newbies, but The Mandalorian offers an accessible jumping-on point.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how The Mandalorian compares to the original 1970s live-action Star Wars saga that many parents grew up with, as well as the more recent movies. What's similar? What's different? Do you prefer any franchise titles over the other? If so, why?
What's the impact of the violence in this show? Does the fact that you don't see blood or gore change the way the violence comes across? Do deaths look scary? Are they supposed to? Characters who die are mostly faceless characters, often in uniform. How does that change your perception of the violence?
How do the characters in The Mandalorian demonstrate courage and compassion? Why are those important character strengths?
Why do you think George Lucas and Disney decided to make Star Wars TV series like The Mandalorian, plus others (The Clone Wars, Maul - Shadow Lord, Andor, etc.)? Do you like this broader universe? Do you find it difficult to keep track of the interconnected stories?
TV Details
- Premiere date : November 12, 2019
- Cast : Pedro Pascal , Gina Carano , Nick Nolte
- Network : Disney+
- Genre : Science Fiction
- Topics : Adventures , Fantasy ( Magic )
- Character Strengths : Compassion , Courage
- TV rating :
- Awards : BAFTA - BAFTA Nominee , Emmy - Emmy Award Winner , Emmy - Emmy Award Nominee , Golden Globe - Golden Globe Award Nominee , NAACP Image Award - NAACP Image Award Nominee
- Last updated : May 25, 2026
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