The Tick
By Joyce Slaton,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Retread of superhero series has violence, language, laughs.
A Lot or a Little?
What you will—and won't—find in this TV show.
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
The Tick
Community Reviews
Based on 10 parent reviews
Disappointing.
Report this review
Report this review
What's the Story?
In a town where superheroes were defeated long ago, Arthur Everest (Griffin Newman) fears that the supervillains they once vanquished are making a return. Most people think Arthur, who has a history of getting caught up in super conflicts, is mentally ill -- even his otherwise supportive sister, Dot (Valorie Curry). But when Arthur encounters the strange new superhero THE TICK (Peter Serafinowicz) on a city rooftop, suddenly he's caught up in the conflict. The supervillains, it seems, are making a comeback. But with Arthur and The Tick on their trail, The Terror (Jackie Earle Haley), Ms. Lint (Yara Martinez), and all their henchmen may not have such an easy time laying waste to The City.
Is It Any Good?
Part campy, part dramatic, this reboot of the comic book superhero story is a bit more serious than the 1994 animated take or the 2001 live-action series. While earlier adaptations generally substituted constant gags for meaty storytelling, this Tick has a different rhythm. Whenever the Tick is on-screen, expect his trademark tortured-syntax gags -- as he explains to Arthur, answering destiny's call can be appealing: "It's good. It's warm. It's like the inside of bread." But when the Tick is away, creeping over rooftops and using his powers to stop bad guys and protect the innocent (or, as sometimes happens, vice versa), Arthur's story takes a turn toward more serious matters.
After all, Arthur has a complicated history with the evil Pyramid Gang and head supervillain The Terror. It was at The Terror's command that a spaceship plummeted to the streets of The City, crushing Arthur's father. And though everyone in The City thinks that The Terror was defeated by square-jawed hero Superian (Brendan Hines), Arthur knows better. He sees the signs of evildoing; he's not crazy like people say. Soon the Tick comes calling, with a sidekick costume in Arthur's size. In a world where superheroes are larger than life, and villains have plans to bring about the destruction of millions, Arthur is just an average guy who's trying hard. And in this reboot, despite Arthur's thick glasses and mild manner, the hero's arc is his, while the Tick is mostly comic relief. That, plus this series' lighthearted tone, makes this show more suitable for whole-family watching than most modern, dark superhero takes.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about why superhero stories like The Tick are so popular on TV and at the movies. What types of audiences do they attract? What dramatic or comedic possibilities do they hold? Why do viewers like watching characters who are more-than-human battling otherworldly threats or villains?
How does Arthur demonstrate courage and perseverance in his attempt to oppose the Pyramid Gang? Why are these important character strengths?
TV Details
- Premiere date: August 25, 2017
- Cast: Peter Serafinowicz, Jackie Earle Haley, Valorie Curry
- Network: Amazon Prime Video
- Genre: Comedy
- Character Strengths: Compassion, Perseverance
- TV rating: NR
- Last updated: April 8, 2023
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
Where to Watch
Our Editors Recommend
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