Based on 2 seasons, 20 episodes · through December 17, 2019
The Purge is a horror television series set in a near-future America. Once a year, the government makes all crime legal for twelve hours. The show follows different characters as they try to survive this dangerous night. Woke elements are clearly visible. These include a major storyline about a Black female executive fighting a sexist boss and a glass ceiling. The series also features a central bisexual and polyamorous romantic relationship. The main villains are wealthy, conservative leaders and an angry white working-class man who serves as a caricature of male grievance.
Why 88%? See the score breakdownBreakdown
These are the editorial factors and ratings behind our score for The Purge.
Woke representation / casting
The show features a very diverse cast with prominent minority leads. Jane is portrayed as a brilliant Black female executive fighting a sexist corporate structure. It also features a prominent bisexual, polyamorous relationship between Jenna, Rick, and Lila, which is central to the plot. Under our scoring rules, this explicit LGBTQ+ element adds a significant point bump to the casting score.
65%
Woke political dialogue
The characters speak openly about corporate sexism, the glass ceiling, and systemic oppression. Jane talks about her struggles as a Black woman in a white, male-dominated industry. Joe's storyline features lectures and radio broadcasts that caricature right-wing grievances and male entitlement. The queer characters also discuss their fluid sexuality, which adds to the woke dialogue score.
72%
Identity-driven story themes
The plot relies heavily on identity politics and social-justice themes. The struggle against a toxic, patriarchal corporate system is central to Jane's arc. The bisexual polyamorous triangle is a major romantic plotline, highlighting non-traditional sexuality. Additionally, Joe's arc frames working-class struggles as a breeding ground for toxic male radicalization. The queer representation adds substantial weight.
78%
Western institutional / cultural critique
The series presents a strong activist critique of Western systems. It portrays corporate America as a corrupt, sexist machine where elite white men literally treat women as props. The ruling totalitarian government serves as a caricature of conservative patriotism and capitalism, using the Purge to eliminate poor and marginalized people to benefit the wealthy elite.
75%
Woke character or canon changes
Not relevant
0%
Anti-woke backlash and complaints
There was moderate online backlash from viewers who complained that the TV show is too preachy and politically biased. Critics on forums objected to the cartoonish depictions of corporate white men and the caricature of Joe as an entitled, angry white conservative. Many felt the show traded genuine horror for left-wing messaging.
45%
Creator track record context
The creative team has a mixed profile. Creator James DeMonaco frequently embeds class and race issues into his films. Several episode writers, such as Nina Fiore and Krystal Houghton Ziv, actively champion diversity and queer representation. However, commercial producers like Michael Bay keep the overall average more moderate.
44%
Production
