The Playlist
Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.
The Playlist
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 suggesting a diversity update.
Suggest an Update
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 Playlist is a fictional portrayal of the origins of the streaming service Spotify. The show is filmed in Swedish and available in English and other languages. The first episode is told from the perspective of Spotify co-founder Daniel Ek (Edvin Endre), and the following episodes show the vantage points of others involved in the company's early stages. There's some nudity and cursing, as well as scenes depicting drinking in nightclubs and bars. Perseverance is a major theme.
What's the Story?
In THE PLAYLIST, 22-year-old coder Daniel Ek (Edvin Endre) spends his early career making waves in the IT world. He creates a program called Advertigo that tailors ads to different users, and he sells the company to tech giant Martin Lorentzon, with whom he later partners to make his vision for Spotify a reality. After assembling a solid team, Daniel runs into challenge after challenge. How will he manage to revolutionize the music industry with his dream of a music streaming service?
Is It Any Good?
The darkness of the drama conveys the struggle it took to revolutionize the music industry. The Playlist is creative in showing how Spotify came to be from multiple perspectives. It motivates with its portrayal of perseverance and hooks viewers with a high-interest topic, since Spotify has over 400 million users. The pace may be a bit slow for some, but each episode sets up for the next one in a way that will keep people watching.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about perseverance in The Playlist. How does Daniel model it? What roadblocks does he face on his journey? Is it worth it?
Why do you think the show is visually so dark? What mood does the darkness create for viewers?
What is a goal that you have worked hard to reach? How did you feel when you accomplished the goal?
TV Details
- Premiere date: October 13, 2022
- Cast: Edvin Endre, Ulf Stenberg, Gizem Erdogan, Joel Lutzow
- Network: Netflix
- Genre: Drama
- Character Strengths: Perseverance, Teamwork
- TV rating: TV-MA
- Last updated: October 17, 2022
Our Editors Recommend
-
The Dropout
Well-acted show takes another look at an infamous scandal.
-
Super Pumped
Language, bullying in absorbing series on ride-sharing rise.
-
The Social Network
Fantastic performances, compelling story for teens and up.
-
Steve Jobs
Compelling portrait of Apple genius has lots of swearing.
For kids who love drama
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