Baywatch - TV-PG
Hit '90s lifeguard series is cheesy, jiggly fun.
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- TV Rating: TV-PG
- Network: ION, Syndicated
- Cast: David Hasselhoff, Pamela Anderson, Alexandra Paul
- Genre: Drama
- >Available On: DVD
Parents need to know
Families can talk about what made this show so popular in its heyday -- particularly internationally, where it was a huge hit. Why do some American shows have more appeal for viewers outside of the United States than others? Which of today's U.S. shows do you think have "global appeal"? Families can also discuss what it really takes to be a professional lifeguard. What kind of training do lifeguards undergo before they can patrol beaches and pools? Does this show do a good job representing what a lifeguard's job is really like? Why or why not?
Message
Social Behavior:
Presents a very romanticized vision of lifeguarding, but does touch on some serious health and safety topics. Positive messages about leadership, teamwork, and parenthood. Some intense/complicated personal relationships. The characters' looks are emphasized (particularly in slow-mo shots of them running on the beach). Most of the characters are Caucasian; early episodes feature an African-American. Later episodes feature some women of various racial/ethnic backgrounds.
Consumerism:
Popular Southern California areas are visible, including the Santa Monica Pier. Some motorcycle and car makes like Yamaha and Mercedes-Benz are visible (but not prominently featured). Some of the tunes featured on the show are sung by Hasselhoff.
Drugs/Alcohol/Tobacco:
Visible consumption of beer, wine, and champagne. Irresponsible drunken behavior and drug/alcohol abuse is occasionally shown, but it has negative consequences.
Violence
Some of the plotlines are about criminal behavior, including murder. At least one episode shows a dead body washing ashore. Occasional arguments; some shoving, pushing, and punching. Occasionally, guns are used and/or gunfire is heard. Some of the rescue missions are intense and show people drowning.
Sex
Strong sexual innuendo. Kissing, hugging, and making out; sometimes people are shown lying in bed together (no visible nudity). Plenty of shirtless men and skin-revealing bikinis. The show's signature moments include lifeguards running in slow motion during rescues, usually highlighting their bouncing chests.
Language
Language includes words like "damn" and "hell."
Common Sense says
What's the story?
Reviewed by Melissa Camacho
Is it any good?
Despite Baywatch's relatively high dose of sex appeal, its innuendo quotient is actually pretty mild compared to many of today's shows. Still, some of the romantic storylines are decidedly adult, and the rescue scenes -- many of which show people drowning and being resuscitated -- might be scary for some kids. But for older teens and adults, it has been -- and always will be -- a guilty viewing pleasure.
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