TV Review - The Hardy Boys (2020)

This is an adaptation of the series of books that began in 1927 by Edward Stratemeyer. The series of books have been published continuously ever since. It's one of the most popular book series, aimed at children and teens, that has ever existed. There have been five previous TV adaptations. In fact, there's been a TV series adaptation every decade, starting in the 1950's. The last series was in the 1990's but was canceled due to low ratings. Back in the 1970's, a TV series adaptation paired the titular characters with Nancy Drew, the female counterpart who had her own book series that was created by Stratemeyer. Last year, the CW network did a fourth or so adaptation of that series called Nancy Drew (2019). That series did fairly well for that network, so it was renewed for 2021. Creators Steve Cochrane and Jason Stone supposed they could piggyback off that success and create this adaptation.

Unfortunately, Cochrane and Stone's adaptation is a bit more dry. For starters, it's a period piece. It seems to take place in the 1980's or maybe early 90's. This is based on some of the technology that is seen. At initial glance, it seems like it could take place in the 1950's. That's almost where this series' sensibilities seem to lie. If it weren't for some diverse casting choices, I'd almost believe the series were set in the 1950's and I was watching some colorized and more edgy version of Leave It To Beaver (1957). Instead, it seems as if this series wants to set itself in the 80's, perhaps to capitalize on the nostalgia captured in shows like Stranger Things (2016). Unfortunately, this series doesn't have as distinct and interesting characters as Stranger Things. The characters here are mostly bland.

Rohan Campbell (Operation Christmas Drop and Virgin River) stars as Frank Hardy, the 16-year-old elder brother. He's the first of the bland characters here. The only thing going on with him is the fact that his mother was murdered, which if that weren't the case, it's not clear why we would care about him. He's got that all-American look to him. Speaking of Leave It To Beaver, he has that Wally Cleaver aura. It's quaint to have him as the lead here, but it's also rather dull, especially if the show isn't going to give him any of the issues that a kid in this time period might have.

Alexander Elliot co-stars as Joe Hardy, the 12-year-old younger brother. He's not as bland as Frank. Thankfully, the writers give him a bit of a sense of humor. He gets some comedic lines and even some comedic banter with other characters, as opposed to Frank who is completely humorless. I guess Frank takes their mother's death a bit harder than Joe, but, the series doesn't really give Frank any other outstanding qualities. Frank isn't that good at being a detective. When it comes to figuring things out, Joe is the one that's smarter and that puts things together better.

Frank and Joe investigate the death of their mother whom they believe was murdered. Their investigation leads them to uncovering an artifact, a historical artifact that certain people want. Those people are even willing to kill for it and possibly kill to keep it a secret. The reason is because the artifact might have supernatural powers. Joe manages to get this artifact, which he calls a "lucky charm." The question becomes if this artifact is connected to the boys' mother. With this artifact, it does give this series a bit of a Indiana Jones-type quality to it, but simply with blander characters.

I'm not well versed in children's programming, even the non-animated, children's series. This series isn't one I would recommend for the age-group for which it's intended. I would push people more toward Stranger Things. I'm not that familiar with the current Nancy Drew series, but I do know that you get a fairly, in-your-face, sex scene in the first, five minutes of that series, so it might not be all that appropriate for children under 13. I would say the recent Stargirl (2020) would be more appropriate, despite the death and destruction, which isn't that graphic. Or else, I'd steer viewers toward Netflix's Cobra Kai (2018). This series is just blah.

Rated TV-PG.
Running Time: 1 hr. / 13 eps.

Available on Hulu.