Common Sense Media Review
By Weiting Liu
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Swearing, drugs, violence in disappointing Mexican drama.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
We Were Kings
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
WE WERE KINGS follows three childhood friends Javo (Joshua Okamoto), Mike (Elias Toscano), and Santos (Manuel Villegas) who are all trying to navigate their complicated lives in a barrio in Mexico City. Their close bond starts to unravel when Santos discovers that Javo is in a romantic relationship with his mother, Malena (Ingrid Aguila). This revelation triggers tensions and a downward spiral of violence, regret, and fractured relationships.
Is It Any Good?
This melodrama against the vivid backdrop of Mexico City sets out to explore complex themes of love, loyalty, and betrayals. Accompanied by dynamic reggaeton soundtracks and vibrant animation footage, We Were Kings tries its best to depict the city and its people with authenticity and flair. The actors' expressive and passionate performances can easily draw the audience in— and we can get lost in its soapy plot for a bit.
But it eventually turns out little more than a formulaic tearjerker with lazy writing and one-dimensional character developments that fall flat. Though the setting and stories had a lot of potential, this poorly executed series remains largely forgettable.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the depictions of Mexico City in We Were Kings. What do you think of the city and the people's lifestyles? Did you learn anything new, or is there anything you'd like to know more about?
What do you think of Javo, Mike, and Santos' brotherhood and friendships? What positive aspects can you learn from their relationships? And are there any complexities? How would you deal with their conflicts if you were in their shoes?
What do you think of Heidi's pregnancy at 15 years old? What do you think of her juggling the pregnancy and her clear academic and professional ambitions?
TV Details
- Premiere date : September 27, 2024
- Cast : Joshua Okamoto , Ingrid Aguila , Elias Toscano
- Network : Netflix
- Genre : Drama
- Topics : Activism ( Civic engagement , Gender equality ) , Family Stories ( Siblings ) , Fantasy ( Magic ) , History , Royalty ( Kings , Princes , Princesses , Queens )
- TV rating :
- Last updated : November 9, 2025
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