A Lot or a Little?
What you will—and won't—find in this TV show.
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Positive Messages
a little
A mixed bag: Romanticizes the notion of teen angst and rebellion by putting James and Alyssa in potentially dangerous situations with little realistic consequence, but also explores complex emotional state of adolescence and importance of relating to people in meaningful ways. Even though both characters struggle with psychological troubles, they find some relief and camaraderie in each other's company.
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Positive Role Models
very little
Neither James nor Alyssa could be considered a positive role model, given their earnest disregard for basic human decency at times, but each becomes what the other needs most as the story progresses. Adults in their lives tend to disappoint them even when they try to be involved. In some cases, those adults are the reason for the teens' unhappiness.
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Violence & Scariness
a lot
As James fantasizes about killing Alyssa, viewers see it play out in scenes that flash between reality and the bloody act he ponders. He also talks about his murderous desires and describes killings of animals he's done in the past, with victims shown. In one scene he punches his dad; in another he burns his hand in a fry vat. An actual murder occurs and it is bloody. James is sexually molested by an older man in a restroom, while Alyssa is nearly raped.
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Sex, Romance & Nudity
a lot
Brief shots of James masturbating. Alyssa is obsessed with sex to a degree that physical acts often come up in conversation. James calls her a nymphomaniac, and she occasionally asks for him to perform oral sex and other acts on her. She attempts oral sex on James but he does not respond. The teens also watch p*rn in a hotel room but are detached from the experience. Alyssa initiates sex with a stranger but does not complete the act.
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Language
a lot
Everything goes, including "f--k" in all its forms, "s--t," "bulls--t," and "damn." Name-calling like "d--khead," "bitch," and "c--t" as well.
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Products & Purchases
none
The series is inspired by a comic book of the same name.
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Drinking, Drugs & Smoking
a little
Rarely adults drink and/or smoke. Alyssa's stepfather gives her a beer.
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Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that The End of the F***ing World is a dark dramedy based on Charles Forsman's 2013 graphic novel. It centers on two emotionally isolated teens, James and Alyssa (Alex Lawther and Jessica Barden), who connect and run away together, all while one plots the other's murder. While there's little violence in real time, James' fantasies play out in brief clips that show Alyssa stabbed and bleeding, and he often lurks near her with a knife poised. Language is also an issue; Alyssa in particular uses words like "f--k," "s--t," "c--t," and "d--khead" regularly. The teens also often talk about sex, so expect mention of masturbation, oral sex (she calls it "eating a p---y"), and other physical acts, but little is actually shown. The teens' rebelliousness (and James' infatuation with killing in particular) is glorified rather than vilified, with surprisingly comic results. This show is iffy for most teens, but if you watch with yours, use its themes to talk about bullying and emotional health.
What's the Story?
Self-described teen psychopath James (Alex Lawther) and his rebellious classmate Alyssa (Jessica Barden) take off on an impromptu cross-country trip to escape their dull lives and to find Alyssa's dad in THE END OF THE F***ING WORLD. While the novelty of their adventure quickly wears off, the duo determines to see it through, taking drastic and often illegal steps to keep on the move. As Alyssa reflects on events of her past that brought her to this point, James' focus remains on the future and his secret plan for Alyssa's eventual murder.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how The End of the F***ing World portrays teens and their struggles. Are James and Alyssa believable characters in their feelings about their families and lives? Do they attempt to deal with what weighs on their minds, or is their attitude one of escape instead? What are some more constructive ways of coping?
What role do adults have in this story? What do you think adults' roles in teens' lives should be? Teens: Are the adults in your life privy to your moods and feelings? If not, to whom do you turn when you have to deal with something difficult?
Would you describe James and Alyssa as particularly courageous? Why or why not? What positive attributes does each have? Are they redeemable characters?
