Contains positive messages about caring for others, understanding others' points of view, and working together.
Positive Role Models
some
Characters show compassion, bravery, and perseverance.
Diverse Representations
a little
Features some actors of color, and dives into the uniqueness of each character's background. However, the series' attempts to break stereotypes are often full of clichés and don't achieve the actual depth they appear to be striving for.
Parents need to know that The Outlaws is a comedy-drama about a group of people from wildly different backgrounds who are assigned to community service in order to avoid prison. The series unfolds a little like Lostor The Good Place, in that the main plot happens in real time while flashbacks slowly reveal characters' pasts. Some violence is shown (e.g., one character steals some money at gunpoint), but it is used to advance the story rather than for the action or shock value. Drug use, including cocaine, is also shown. The series features a somewhat diverse cast (three main characters are persons of color) and contains themes about breaking stereotypes. However, there are numerous clichés that end up reinforcing some of the stereotypes that the show is ostensibly trying to break.
No way. CSM is originally rating this for 12+ when in the first episode there is gun violence and cocaine use. 2nd episode is oral sex from prostitute. WTF.
Definitely has mature themes, lots of language. Surprised that CSM gave it 12+. Watching it with my 15 year old and I do think it’s good but requires a little more maturity/discussion on some of the themes. I’ve only seen two episodes thus far, but liking it. Hard to find shows that both of us find interesting.
What's the Story?
The Outlaws follows a group of suspicious characters who have just escaped prison ... by opting to do community service instead of jail time for their misdemeanors. The ragtag group doesn't have much in common, until one big, unexpected caper pulls them all together. Outlaws include creator and writer Stephen Merchant as Greg and Christopher Walken as Frank.
This series certainly means well in its aim to break stereotypes, racial and otherwise -- unfortunately, the writing often falls into clichés that undermine those good intentions. When Rani (Rhianne Baretto) points out that all of her fellow community service workers are "types" in the first episode, she's hinting that each of them will end up breaking out of those types in one way or another. Instead, The Outlaws turns out to be simply a pleasant caper comedy with a fun cast (including the legendary Christopher Walken) and a great premise that never quite lives up to the complex and weighty task it sets out to accomplish.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the characters. What do we know about each of the community service team? What mysteries are there about each of them?
How does The Outlaws portray the differences between the characters' backgrounds and identities? Do you agree with Rani that each one is "a type"? How do the characters fulfill or subvert those expectations?
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.
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.
By Marty Brown
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
