The Slap (2015)
A single impulsive act at a suburban backyard party sets off a moral firestorm that tears through friendships, marriages, and family bonds.
The Slap - Series Information
- Original Title: The Slap
- First Air Year: 2015
- Last Air Year: 2015
- Created by: Jon Robin Baitz, Walter F. Parkes
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Drama
- Content Rating (US): TV-14
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode: 42 minutes
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Number of Episodes: 8
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: February 12, 2015 (United States - TV-14)
- Networks: NBC
- Alternative Titles: The Slap (US) (US)
- Production Companies: Universal Television, Matchbox Pictures
The Slap - Plot
Hector and his wife Aisha plan a party for family and friends, but the day doesn't turn out as they expected when Hector's hot-headed cousin Harry slaps a misbehaving child. The party ends abruptly with the child's parents threatening legal action, and a chain of events is ignited that will uncover secrets, challenge core values, and leave the party guests and hosts forever changed.
The Slap - Trailer
See the moment that changes everything in the official trailer:
One moment will change a family forever.
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The Slap - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Jon Robin Baitz
- Walter F. Parkes
Main Cast
- Brian Cox
- Melissa George
- Lucas Hedges
- Marin Ireland
- Makenzie Leigh
- Thandiwe Newton
- Zachary Quinto
- Thomas Sadoski
- Peter Sarsgaard
- Uma Thurman
Writers
- Jon Robin Baitz
- Walter F. Parkes
Executive Producers
- Tony Ayres
- Laurie MacDonald
- Lisa Cholodenko
- Walter F. Parkes
- Chris Oliver-Taylor
The Slap - FAQs
Is The Slap based on a true story or novel?
The Slap is adapted from Christos Tsiolkas's acclaimed 2008 Australian novel of the same name. The novel was first adapted as an Australian miniseries in 2011 before NBC produced this American version in 2015, relocating the story to Brooklyn and recasting it with a predominantly American ensemble.
Is The Slap worth watching for drama fans?
For fans of character-driven drama, it offers a compelling moral puzzle wrapped around an exceptional cast. The anthology-style structure — each episode told from a different character's perspective — gives the story unusual depth. The performances from Peter Sarsgaard, Uma Thurman, and Brian Cox are particular highlights.
Where can you watch The Slap online?
The Slap is available to buy or rent on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, and Fandango At Home. You can also stream it with ads on The Roku Channel. Availability may vary by region, so check your local platforms for the latest options.
How is each episode of The Slap structured?
Each of the eight episodes is named after and told from the perspective of a different character present at the fateful party. This rotating viewpoint format — borrowed from the source novel — reveals how the same incident is experienced, interpreted, and morally judged in entirely different ways by each person involved.
Who are the main cast members in The Slap?
The ensemble cast includes Peter Sarsgaard as Hector, Thandiwe Newton as Aisha, Zachary Quinto as Harry, Uma Thurman as Anouk, Melissa George as Rosie, Thomas Sadoski as Gary, Brian Cox as Manolis, Lucas Hedges as Ritchie, Marin Ireland as Sandi, and Makenzie Leigh as Connie.
How was The Slap received by critics?
Critical reception was mixed. Reviewers praised the ambitious premise and the quality of the cast, particularly Zachary Quinto and Uma Thurman, but some felt the American adaptation lost the raw edge of the original Australian series. The show was admired more for its performances than for its overall execution.
What themes does The Slap explore?
At its core, the series examines moral relativism, parenting philosophies, class tensions, infidelity, and the fragility of social bonds. The inciting incident — a man striking someone else's child — becomes a lens through which deeply held values around discipline, loyalty, and justice are put under intense pressure.
What are similar shows to The Slap?
If The Slap resonated with you, consider Patrick Melrose (2018) for its sharp character study and stellar lead performance, Love & Death (2023) and Candy (2022) for morally complex true-crime drama, or A Friend of the Family (2022) for another unsettling look at how one event fractures a community.
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