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The 4400

(Rated TV-PG, Science fiction , Starring Jacqueline McKenzie, Joel Gretsch, Patrick Flueger, Where to watch: USA)

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 10, age appropriate for kids over 14; suggested age 12.

  • Is it any good?

    4.0

  • Common Sense says

    Strong sci-fi mystery OK for older tweens, teens.

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 12–14

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    Most central characters are positive role models, but some other characters lie, manipulate, and engage in violence. The cast is moderately diverse, with both men and women in central roles.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence:

    Moderate -- some gunfire, a little blood, fistfights, explosions, an attempted suicide.

  • Sex:

    Very little -- some flirting, tame kissing, implied non-sexual nudity.

  • Language:

    Not an issue.

  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Some social drinking. Medicinal drugs are a central theme, with hypodermic needles often seen.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About The 4400

Parents need to know that this sci-fi drama series centers around the idea of being abducted and then returned to earth many years later. Younger viewers, if they're not bored by the adult-oriented material, may need reassurance that the concept is fictional. Some violence occurs, like when a criminal is wounded by gunshot or a fistfight results in near death. In one episode, a main character attempts suicide, though she's quickly revived. Several characters have special powers, some of which are creepy or scary -- like the pulsing gills on one character's torso.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about what special powers they'd want to have -- and which they wouldn't. What's the burden of mind-reading or being able to foresee the future? What kind of similarities do teens see between the issues the show brings up and what's happening in today's post-9/11 world? What does fear of a specific group of people do to society as a whole?
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Most Recent Reviews

  1. Adult Reviewer
    n8chiro
    Lives in North Dakota
    I rate this title on for age 11 and give it 5.0

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
    Flag as inappropriate
  2. Teen Reviewer Age 17
    moviemogul
    Lives in Texas
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 5.0

    Excellent

    If you have the USA network, this is a must-see TV show. A great story and good idea come together to make a very enjoyable show. Season one was spectacular, and after watching season two's premiere, I can assure you that nothing has changed about the series.

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
    Flag as inappropriate

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