Extensive violence and bloodshed. The opening credits feature rivers of blood overtaking Rome, and the first scene shows a man having his throat slit. Other violent content includes sexual assault, threats of sexual violence, human trafficking, men being eaten by a lion, a violent mob beating people to death, frequent peril and attacks, imagery of crucifixion, and limbs being chopped off.
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Both male and female sex workers are featured. Naked breasts are often shown, and women are sometimes fully nude. Explicit sex scenes depict characters in various positions, with nudity including breasts and buttocks. Some nobles have open marriages, and women are sexually assaulted.
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Many of the characters are driven by greed for money and power, but the enslaved African siblings, and their mother who followed them to Rome to find a way to free them, shows people willing to do anything to keep those they love safe.
Positive Messages
a little
The series lacks strong positive messages, as the narrative revolves around betrayal, violence, and power struggles. However, the subplot of enslaved African siblings, and their mother's brave attempts to free them, has strong themes of familial love and resilience.
Diverse Representations
a little
One of the main characters, the emperor's son, is gay and one of the main storylines centers around enslaved siblings from Africa and their mother fighting to get them back. Otherwisee, most of the main characters are White, and the emperor's son refers to people of North Africa with derogatory terms like "dogs" and "filthy vermin."
Parents need to know that Those Who Are About to Die is a drama set in ancient Rome that includes includes very graphic and gory violence and explicit sex scenes. The first scene shows a man having his throat slit; other violent content includes sexual assault, threats of sexual violence, human trafficking, men being eaten by a lion, a violent mob beating people to death, frequent peril and attacks, imagery of crucifixion, and limbs being chopped off. Expect sex work depictions; naked breasts are often shown, and women are sometimes fully nude. Talk of gods and demons and strong profanity are in the mix as well.
This show contains a solid story line, but it should only be viewed by an 18+ audience. There is a lot of graphic nudity, particularly of women, which leaves nothing to the imagination. There are multiple explicit sex scenes in almost every episode, including explicit same-sex acts. I would compare it to soft-core porn, but I will say that the scenes do reflect the reality of life in the Roman Empire. There are also many scenes with implied/explicit sexual assault/rape. Language is moderate, only a few “f-bombs.” Violence and gore are very heavy, with graphic images and scenes, including but not limited to severed limbs, protruding broken bones, slit throats, hangings, and crucifixions. There is a very present theme of substance abuse, but it is used to more accurately depict the lives of the characters.
What's the Story?
Narrated by the owner of the biggest betting house in Rome, THOSE WHO ARE ABOUT TO DIE follows various characters as they navigate the dangerous and politically charged world of ancient Rome. The storyline includes gladiator fights, chariot races, slavery, and the power struggles within the Roman elite.
This drama attempts to capture the magic of Game of Thrones, with the series' infamous Ramsay (Iwan Rheon) at the helm, but falls short in comparison. Despite grand sets and an impressive score, the writing in Those About to Die comes across as lackluster, giving even Anthony Hopkins little to do. Aside from the massive scale, the visual world of the series feels uninspired, echoing many Roman-themed shows from past decades and missing the opportunity for inspired costumes and styling. The most engaging scenes occur in the arena, with thrilling chariot races and gladiator fights. The show does become more compelling after a few episodes, especially around the subplot involving an African family forcibly dragged to Rome. Mild Gladiator vibes are evoked, but the show never reaches the heights of a prestige drama.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about violence in media. How does the portrayal of violence in the show affect your perception of the characters and story? What do you think is the impact of such graphic content on viewers?
Discuss the portrayal of diverse characters in the series. What are the implications of the derogatory language used to describe people of North Africa?
What does the series say about the pursuit of power and its consequences? How do the characters' actions reflect their values and motivations?
How does the depiction of ancient Rome in Those About to Die compare to historical accounts? What liberties do you think the creators took for dramatic effect?
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
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 Stephanie Morgan
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
