Common Sense Media Review
By Kari Croop
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Darkly comic series tours gender identity, family dynamics.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 17+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Transparent
What's the Story?
No one in the Pfefferman family is living a fully TRANSPARENT life, all keeping closely guarded secrets in spite of their mutual affection. But then patriarch Mort (Jeffrey Tambor) gathers the family––Sarah (Amy Landecker), Josh (Jay Duplass), and Ali (Gaby Hoffman)––to announce a "big change." She's transitioning to living full-time as a woman named Maura. And the family's dynamic takes a turn toward something refreshingly honest.
Is It Any Good?
Written and directed by Joey Soloway (Six Feet Under, The United States of Tara), this original dramedy about transgender identity is partly autobiographical. And maybe that's why Transparent's characters and their relationships feel so real. Sure, you may not relate to the specifics of Maura's "big change" and the ripple effect it has on her family, but you're bound to relate to their emotions, thanks to the series' artful writing and honest acting. Storylines are also wide-reaching in the sense that every major character is going through their own life changes. Sex and relationships play a major part, however, so the content is better aimed at adults and the most mature teens.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Transparent's depiction of parent-child relationships. How do those relationships change––or not––as kids become adults? Does Transparent take a realistic approach when it comes to depicting family dynamics? How does it compare to the way you and your parents interact?
How do Transparent's transgender characters break new ground and expand the definition of what it means to be trans? Does Maura transcend or reinforce existing stereotypes?
Does lead actor Jeffrey Tambor's alleged harassment of his trans co-workers change how you feel about the show's inclusiveness? Can a series advance representation if the production fails to fully protect the marginalized voices it seeks to center?
TV Details
- Premiere date : September 26, 2014
- Cast : Jeffrey Tambor , Judith Light , Gaby Hoffman
- Network : Prime Video
- Genre : Drama
- Topics : Activism ( LGBTQ+ rights ) , Family Stories ( Dads , Moms , Siblings ) , Friendship
- TV rating :
- Awards : BAFTA - BAFTA Winner , BAFTA - BAFTA Nominee , Emmy - Emmy Award Winner , Emmy - Emmy Award Nominee , Golden Globe - Golden Globe Award Winner , Golden Globe - Golden Globe Award Nominee , NAACP Image Award - NAACP Image Award Nominee
- Last updated : April 8, 2026
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