The Peripheral
Solid sci-fi puzzle box show has intense, violent sequences.
The Peripheral
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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 Peripheral is a sci-fi action series about a virtual reality game that's more than it seems. Based on a 2014 novel by William Gibson and executive produced by some of the folks behind Westworld, the series features a mix of sci-fi, speculative fiction, and puzzle box mystery elements. The action sequences can be bloody and intense, often involving hand-to-hand combat, military style guns, destructive futuristic weaponry, and graphic shoot-outs. An animal is in danger in one sequence, and there's some unsettling body horror. Language is also very strong, with many uses of "f--k," plus "s--t," "ass," and more. Characters drink (sometimes too much) and kiss, and there's a brief glimpse of a naked bottom. Amid all of the mature elements are themes about making ethical choices, working together, and caring for others, and characters -- while flawed -- demonstrate compassion and teamwork.
Community Reviews
Watch out for the gore!
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Adults only.
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What's the Story?
In THE PERIPHERAL Flynne (Chloe Grace Moretz) and her brother, Burton (Jack Reynor), earn money by grinding through levels in virtual reality video games. One day, they're hired to test a sim that's more advanced -- and more satisfying -- than anything they've seen before. But once Flynne becomes immersed, the game threatens to destroy her real life ... and possibly those of everyone she loves.
Is It Any Good?
This thrilling series seems to have learned from Westworld's mistakes. That show's first season was vague and mysterious but left little for viewers to hang their hat on besides trying to guess the secret twist. While there are plenty of questions and twists to track in The Peripheral, too, this time the characters are asked to solve them, rather than the audience. Viewers can try to guess what's going on, but they can also simply enjoy the suspense as Flynne navigates immense danger while trying to figure it all out herself.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the setting. When does the main action in The Peripheral take place? When is the sim set? What are the differences between these worlds and our present world? What does the show try to illuminate about contemporary life?
How do the realities in The Peripheral overlap and affect one another? How do characters from each world interact? How do the characters change when they enter or exit the sim?
How does Flynne's behavior change after beginning to play the sim? What choices does she make that she wouldn't have before? What motivates her decisions?
Do you think the violence is necessary to the story in The Peripheral? Why, or why not? What's the impact of media violence on kids?
TV Details
- Premiere date: October 20, 2022
- Cast: Chloe Grace Moretz, Jack Reynor, Gary Carr
- Network: Amazon Prime Video
- Genre: Science Fiction
- Character Strengths: Compassion, Teamwork
- TV rating: TV-MA
- Last updated: January 4, 2023
Our Editors Recommend
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Westworld
Thoughtfully creepy sci-fi has lots of sex and violence.
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Orphan Black
Twisty sci-fi show is thrilling but full of violence, sex.
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Alias
Smart action drama with a strong female lead.
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Inception
Intense, complex, brilliant sci-fi thriller; violent scenes.
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Watchmen
Meta-superhero show is deep, violent, challenging.
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