Common Sense Media Review
By Melissa Camacho
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Heartfelt series explores racial bias, violence in Chicago.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
The Red Line
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?
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
- Premiere date : April 26, 2019
- Cast : Noah Wyle , Emayatzy Corinealdi , Noel Fisher
- Network : CBS
- Genre : Drama
- TV rating :
- Last updated : September 20, 2019
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
Suggest an Update
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