Common Sense Media Review
By Marina Gordon
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Engrossing, snarky mystery has mature themes, language.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
The Wilds
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 7 parent reviews
Based on 19 kid reviews
Kids say this show offers a thrilling exploration of complex themes, compelling character arcs, and strong female empowerment, though it contains significant sexual content and profanity. While the first few episodes may feel cringy, many reviewers noted that it ultimately becomes captivating with its unexpected twists and mature topics, appealing mainly to older teens and mature audiences.
- binge-worthy
- strong representation
- mature themes
- lots of swearing
- complex characters
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
In THE WILDS, nine teen girls -- four pairs that are known to each other and one alone -- are en route to a retreat on a tropical island. The plane crashes within swimming distance of a deserted island, where they expect to be quickly rescued and imagine that their stories are all over the news. But they don't know that this "crash" was no accident, and on the island they're being closely monitored by the retreat's organizer (Rachel Griffiths, Muriel's Wedding). An operative dies shortly after the crash, but we learn that there's a second one in the group. The action is split among time on the island, flashbacks, and post-island talks with two male investigators; we gradually learn about the girls' pasts, what brought them on this trip, and how their time on the island has changed them.
Is It Any Good?
Arriving 16 years after Lost, the time is right for an all-teen-girl desert island melodrama that mixes adventure, emotion, and serious bonding. Viewers who hate cliches might be tempted to parachute off this ride early on, when Leah (Sarah Pidgeon), talking to investigators, says of their traumatic time on the island, "Being a teenage girl in normal-ass America? That was the real living hell." Press on, though, and The Wilds reveals its charms and its humor. Getting to know each of the girls through flashbacks and their experiences on the island deepens our appreciation of characters who could be stereotypes: the tough girl, the lesbian, the slut, the cheerleader, the brainiac, etc. Created by Sarah Streicher (Daredevil) and executive produced by Amy B. Harris (Sex and the City), The Wilds joins a long list of recent thought-provoking shows made by women that introduces viewers to fresh new talent.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about death and disaster, which are prominent themes in The Wilds. Is the show optimistic or pessimistic? Are the characters intended to be role models?
How do the characters on The Wilds demonstrate courage and teamwork? Why are those important character strengths?
Have you ever had a dangerous experience in nature? Did it change the way you felt about the natural world?
TV Details
- Premiere date : December 11, 2020
- Cast : Rachel Griffiths , Sophia Ali , Shannon Berry
- Network : Prime Video
- Genre : Drama
- TV rating :
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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