Parents' Guide to

The Spy

By Martin Brown, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 17+

Espionage drama best for Baron Cohen fans, has violence.

TV Netflix Drama 2019
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A Lot or a Little?

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

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What's the Story?

The Israeli government recruits a clerk named Eli Cohen (Sacha Baron Cohen) to infiltrate the Syrian government as THE SPY. Cohen must learn on the job, putting himself, his country, and his marriage at risk.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: Not yet rated
Kids say: Not yet rated

Clearly a passion project for Sacha Baron Cohen, who has serious acting chops despite being mostly known for broad comedy, this feels stretched incredibly thin as a miniseries. Though there's an eye for detail, the slow pace and focus on minutiae undercut the The Spy's suspense and drama.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the historical context of The Spy. What is the conflict between Israel and Syria? Who was Eli Cohen?

  • What drives Cohen to become a spy? What makes him successful?

  • Do you think that the good Cohen does for his country outweighs the damage he does to his personal life? Why or why not?

TV Details

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