Common Sense Media Review
By Stephanie Morgan
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
1950s story of CIA, the mob, Cuban politics has violence.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Mafia Spies
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
MAFIA SPIES investigates the CIA's clandestine operations in the 1950s, focusing on the pervasive panic among Americans that led to its formation. It uncovers the CIA's plot to collaborate with the mafia to assassinate Fidel Castro, based on declassified documents from 2017. The series brings to light the intricate and often covert efforts by the CIA to influence global politics, offering a detailed narrative that combines historical fact with dramatic reenactments.
Is It Any Good?
This docuseries delivers a vintage James Bond-esque vibe while presenting a narrative that feels like a Hollywood thriller. Mafia Spies offers a thorough account of the almost unbelievable story of how the CIA, the mob, and dictatorial regimes shaped modern-day Cuba, making a remarkable part of history accessible to viewers. Though the re-enactments can be a little hokey, the series' engaging storytelling and rich historical context make it an entertaining and informative watch.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the moral implications of the CIA and the mob's actions as portrayed in the series. Do you think the ends justify the means in espionage and covert operations? Why or why not? How do these historical actions compare to modern-day intelligence operations?
How did foreign intervention, particularly by the United States, shape Cuba's history during the 1950s? What are the potential positive and negative effects of one country intervening in another's affairs?
The series depicts Havana in the 1950s as a hub of vice and indulgence. How do you think this portrayal affects our understanding of the city's history and culture? Do you think the media often sensationalizes certain aspects of history? How can we find a balanced view of historical events?
TV Details
- Premiere date: July 16, 2024
- Cast: Douglas Vermeeren , John Zacchino , William Daddio
- Network: Paramount+
- Genre: Drama
- Topics: History
- TV rating: TV-MA
- Last updated: July 26, 2024
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