Parents' Guide to

The Red Line

By Melissa Camacho, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 14+

Heartfelt series explores racial bias, violence in Chicago.

TV CBS Drama 2019
The Red Line Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this TV show.

  • The Red Line TV Series: Tia, Jira, and Daniel.
  • The Red Line TV Series: Officer Paul Evans on the job.
  • The Red Line TV Series: Jim Evans.

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What's the Story?

THE RED LINE follows the stories of three very different families whose lives converge as a result of racial bias in the city of Chicago. After Officer Paul Evans (Noel Fisher), a young white police officer, shoots and kills unarmed black doctor Harrison Brennan (Corey Reynolds) during a convenience store robbery, Brennan's grieving widower, high school teacher Daniel Calder (Noah Wyle), tries to support their now-teenage adopted daughter, Jira (Aliyah Royale), often with the help of fellow teacher Liam Bhatt (Vinny Chhibber). But a rift between father and daughter emerges when Jira actively begins looking for ways to make sense of herself and the world around her as a young black woman. Meanwhile, South Side Alderman candidate Tia Young (Emayatzy Corinealdi) follows the story in the news, and finds herself thinking about her past connection with Brennan and Calder, much to the consternation of her husband, Red Line train conductor Ethan (Howard Charles). Officer Evans tries to cope with his mistake, while his brother Jim (Michael Patrick Thornton), a former police officer who was shot in the line of duty, and his partner, Officer Vic Renna (Elizabeth Laidlaw), offer him some misguided support.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
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Kids say (1 ):

This intense series highlights the complicated nature of Chicago's sociopolitical landscape through the personal stories of families impacted by it in very different ways. While it uses the all too frequent violent death of a black man at the hands of a police officer as the starting point for the three narratives, it underscores the fact that the shooting, and subsequent events, are occurring in a city that celebrates a uniquely rich history and long-standing traditions while simultaneously being guided by a corrupt and racially unequal system. It can be melodramatic at times, and the relationships between characters range from being awkward to predictable. But The Red Line is also heartfelt, and it attempts to offer a realistic portrayal of the history, politics, and culture dividing the city.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the way racial bias is depicted in the media. How does race factor in to the way stories are told? How is race handled in The Red Line?

  • How can we recognize racial stereotypes in the media? Are these stereotypes only present in fictional narratives?

TV Details

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