The Nevers
The Nevers
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this TV show.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that The Nevers is an action-drama series created by Joss Whedon (Buffy the Vampire Slayer, The Avengers). While it occasionally emulates a family-friendly, superhero-like show, it's actually quite dark and mature. Violence runs the gamut from brutal fist fights to stabbings, shootings, and a massacre in a crowded theater. A serial killer is on the loose, a child is abducted, a murder victim is shown in gory detail, a person has a drill inserted into their head, and a man's throat is graphically sliced. Sexual content includes a man waking in bed with another male and female after an apparent sexual encounter. This same character, who's played as sexually promiscuous, is involved with a "sex club," and has intercourse with a woman in a theater. A man's buttocks and a woman's breasts are briefly shown. A female character grabs the crotch of a male character as a joke. Foul language includes the use of "f--k," "c--t," "bitch," and "whores." The racist term "Chinaman" is also used. A man snorts a drug, and alcohol and tobacco are consumed in social situations.
Community Reviews
Excessive swearing and nudity, looking past that, a fab show
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If you like perverted sex clubs...
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What's the Story?
THE NEVERS is an original action-drama series that blends science fiction, fantasy, alternate history, and steampunk elements. It takes place in Victorian-era London, where a mysterious, possibly alien event has left many of the women -- and some men -- with strange powers or abilities. Protagonists Amalia True (Laura Donnelly) and Penance Adair (Ann Skelly), who've both been gifted by this phenomenon, help run an orphanage that cares for and protects others like them. These individuals, referred to as the "Touched," are largely considered outcasts and a possible danger to society. As such, a number of unsavory characters, driven by various nefarious motives, are after them or wish them harm.
Is It Any Good?
The Nevers' protagonists Amalia True and Penance Adair are an immediately appealing pair, not unlike a superhero duo you'd enthusiastically root for on the big screen. The former kicks all kinds of backside -- in proper Victorian-era attire, no less -- while the latter supports her with an arsenal of cool gadgets. Both are also "Touched," so Amalia can see glimpses of the future and Penance can visualize electrical currents for optimum gadget-making. Toss in strong performances from both actresses, and the two could easily carry their own caper-of-the-week, crime-fighting series.
But The Nevers is far more ambitious than that, for better and worse. Its main plot sees Amalia and Penance protecting others like them, who've been mysteriously gifted -- or cursed -- by strange, sometimes powerful abilities. This core conceit, however, spawns multiple subplots, plenty of engaging side characters, and more villains than you can twirl a mustache at. There's also a potent cocktail of steampunk, sci-fi, and fantasy elements, all blended into an absorbing time period and setting that could host any number of Sherlock Holmes or Jack the Ripper stories. It's undoubtedly a lot, and its frequent dark twists -- from serial killers to sex clubs -- can feel tonally off. But anchored by Amalia and Penance's rollicking adventures, as well as a number of narrative threads you can't help but tug at, The Nevers rises above its shortcomings to deliver a pulpy genre romp you'll eagerly tune into each week.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the time period this series is set in. What is different about life in the Victorian era? What's the same?
Are the "Touched" characters special abilities a blessing or a curse? How does society treat these people? Why are they considered outcasts?
How does the show use and blend different genres and narrative styles? Which genres stand out the most? Is the series better or worse for borrowing from so many different genres?
TV Details
- Premiere date: April 11, 2021
- Cast: Laura Donnelly, Ann Skelly, Denis O'Hare, James Norton, Ben Chaplin
- Network: HBO Max
- Genre: Action
- Topics: Magic and Fantasy, Adventures, Friendship, Space and Aliens
- Character Strengths: Communication, Compassion, Courage, Empathy, Integrity, Perseverance, Teamwork
- TV rating: TV-MA
- Last updated: March 31, 2022
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