Parents' Guide to

The Stranger

By Melissa Camacho, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 16+

Violent stalker horror full of suspense, cursing.

TV Quibi Drama 2020
The Stranger Poster Image

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 STRANGER is a horror series about what can happen when you pick up the wrong person. Claire (Maika Monroe) is a rideshare driver who recently moved to Los Angeles from Kansas to pursue her dreams as a screenwriter. When she picks up a charming young man named Carl E. (Dane DeHaan) from his swanky home, things seem normal. But Claire soon discovers that he's not what he seems, and her world suddenly becomes a nightmare.

Is It Any Good?

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

This dark thriller offers lots of suspense-filled moments filled with unnerving twists. Thanks to good writing, what seems like a simple story reveals itself to be a complicated cat-and-mouse game that is easy to get caught up in. Meanwhile, Dehaan's strong performance as the intelligent, misogynistic, and sadistic stalker makes it creepier at every turn. If you enjoy horror stories, you will find The Stranger to be entertainingly addictive.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the appeal of thrillers. What is it about shows like The Stranger that makes them entertaining? Is it the suspense or fear it elicits when one watches them? Or is it something else?

  • What do you think is the impact of the violence featured in horror films and shows? What's the difference between shows that are gory and graphic versus those that imply violence?

TV Details

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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.

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