The Magicians
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Screen for YOUR familyParent's Guide to The Magicians
The Magicians (2015-2020) is a fantasy drama series that follows Quentin Coldwater as he discovers that the magical world he read about in books as a child is real, leading him to a secretive academy for magicians. The show, often described as a darker, adult-oriented take on the 'magical school' genre, explores themes of power, trauma, adulthood, and moral ambiguity as a group of twenty-somethings navigates their magical education and a series of dangerous adventures. It is geared towards a mature audience, dealing with complex character relationships and challenging traditional fantasy tropes. The series encompasses elements of fantasy, the supernatural, and drama, focusing on character development and the genuine risks and growth associated with coming of age in a world where magic is both wondrous and perilous.
Things to Consider
LGBTQ & Gender Identity
The series prominently features LGBTQ+ characters and storylines. Eliot Waugh is an openly queer character who engages in relationships with both men and women, including a polyamorous storyline. Quentin Coldwater is depicted as bisexual, participating in a threesome that includes another male character, and later develops a romantic relationship with Eliot, raising a child together in an alternate timeline. The show also introduces Marina's girlfriend, Anna, in later seasons.
Eliot Waugh is identified as an 'iconic LGBTQ character' whose 'queerness is a facet—not the whole—of his character'. Quentin Coldwater is explicitly referred to as 'bi Quentin, our nerdy protagonist'. A significant scene in season 1 (1.11) involves Quentin, Eliot, and Margo in a threesome, with 'brief but clear flashes of Quentin and Eliot kissing'. In an alternate timeline (3.5), Quentin and Eliot share a lifetime together, including a 'thruple' (three-person) marriage and raising a child. Eliot's polyamorous storyline includes marrying a woman and proposing to a man in Fillory. Season five introduces Marina's girlfriend, Anna.
Violence
The Magicians features a high level of violence, described as contributing to its darker tone. Characters experience 'exceptionally sticky ends' and the show has been noted for its 'violence & gore'. It is rated 3/3/3 for violence in one guide that draws inspiration from the show's themes.
Romance and Sexual Content
The show contains explicit mature themes and sexual content. This includes a threesome, implied sexual activity between same-sex characters, and polyamorous relationships. The content is considered part of the show's adult drama appeal.
Profanity
The Magicians includes frequent and strong profanity. Sources explicitly state that profanity is present in 'plenty' and that later seasons feature uncensored language.
Witchcraft & Occult
Witchcraft and occult practices are central to the entire premise of The Magicians. The show focuses on a secret academy where characters learn and practice magic, including spellcasting, rituals, and interactions with supernatural entities and purgatory-like spaces. The depiction of magic is intricate and forms the core of the narrative.
Substance Use
Substance use, including alcohol and drugs, is frequently depicted and is often tied to character struggles and plot points. Characters are shown drinking, and some struggle with alcoholism and addiction, with references to drug use being 'plenty'.
Scary & Intense Content
The Magicians contains significant scary and intense content, characterized by its darker tone and themes of trauma, mental instability, and supernatural dangers like possession. While one source rates 'frightening & intense scenes' as average, the overall narrative and other specific warnings indicate a higher level of intensity.
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Disrespect & Rebellion
The show's themes of 'moral ambiguity' and 'coming of age arcs with genuine risk and growth' suggest characters frequently challenge norms and authority. While explicit scenes of disrespectful language towards specific figures like parents or teachers are not detailed, the narrative focuses on young adults navigating complex magical and personal challenges, often making 'terrible life decisions' and operating within morally grey areas.
Anti-Christian Themes
The Magicians engages in 'recreate[ing] religious speculation' and portrays 'alternative representations of deities,' including 'violent deicide' as a narrative option. While there is no evidence of explicit mockery of Christian beliefs or symbols, the show's speculative nature and its reimagining of divine figures could be seen as challenging traditional Christian worldviews.
The Magicians presents a worldview that is largely relativistic and humanistic, with a strong emphasis on magic as a fundamental force rather than a transcendent God. The core themes revolve around self-discovery, identity, and the search for purpose in a world where ultimate power can be attained and wielded by individuals. Biblical values of clear good versus evil are often blurred, as characters operate in morally ambiguous territories, making choices driven by personal gain, survival, or shifting allegiances. While characters face consequences for their actions, there isn't a consistent sense of divine justice or moral accountability aligned with a Christian understanding; rather, consequences often stem from magical repercussions or interpersonal conflicts. The worldview presented leans heavily into a materialistic or at least a magic-centric view of life, where problems are often solved through magical means or personal grit, rather than spiritual reliance or faith in a higher, benevolent power. Redemption themes are present, but they are typically self-initiated or found through relational bonds rather than divine grace or forgiveness. Sacrifices are made, but they often serve immediate magical or personal goals. Family values are portrayed in a complex and sometimes dysfunctional manner, with characters often forming 'found families' due to struggles within their biological families, and traditional authority figures are frequently questioned or outright defied. Faith, if depicted, often refers to belief in magic, Fillory, or in oneself and one's friends, rather than a monotheistic God, and is not generally presented respectfully in a Christian context; instead, traditional religious concepts are often reinterpreted or superseded by magical realities, and deities are portrayed as fallible or even hostile beings to be challenged or overcome.
Additional Context
Best For Ages
TV-MA. The series is officially rated TV-MA, and sources consistently describe it as 'teen or adult oriented' and 'darker than Harry Potter'. It features "plenty" of profanity, alcohol, drugs, and smoking, as well as significant violence, sexual content, and intense scenes.
Good to Know
The Magicians is based on a book series by Lev Grossman. It is important for parents to note that while it shares some superficial similarities with 'Harry Potter' in its magical school setting, the tone and content are significantly more mature and adult-oriented, dealing with complex and often dark themes. The show's TV-MA rating is well-supported by its content across multiple categories.
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