Tools for this page
Print

Baywatch

(Rated TV-PG, Drama, Starring David Hasselhoff, Pamela Anderson, Alexandra Paul, Where to watch: ION, Syndicated, DVD)

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

    (Flash is loading. If this text does not disappear you need to install the latest flash version)

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

  • Is it any good?

    3.0

  • Common Sense says

    Hit '90s lifeguard series is cheesy, jiggly fun.

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 12–14

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    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.
 

What to watch out for

  • 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."

  • 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.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Visible consumption of beer, wine, and champagne. Irresponsible drunken behavior and drug/alcohol abuse is occasionally shown, but it has negative consequences.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Baywatch

Parents need to know that this 1990s lifeguard series owes much of its popularity to good-looking cast members wearing short swim trunks and cleavage-revealing bathing suits. While the show's sexual innuendo is fairly tame compared to today's standards, it's still a bit iffy for young kids. Some of the drowning scenes might be a bit scary to watch, too, and serious subjects like safety, alcohol addiction, and specific medical disorders are touched on. On the plus side, the show offers some positive messages about leadership, teamwork, and parenthood.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • 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?
Tools and tips that can help

Want more? Get Common Sense recommendations delivered to your inbox.

Our Members Say

Have you seen it? Review It!

  • What did you think about Baywatch?

  •  I think this show is

    for ages

  •  I also give it

  •  Any concerns?

  •  Any highlights?

  •  Love it? Hate it?

  • or to post a review

More Great Stuff For Your Kids

  • New in Theaters

    Age 7+
    Fantastic Mr. Fox

    Fantastic Mr. Fox

    Offbeat family adventure may charm adults more than kids.

  • Issue Spotlight

    Rules of the Road for Texting

    Rules of the Road for Texting

    Set limits long before they get behind the wheel.

  • Must See TV

    Age 7+
    Fanboy and Chum Chum

    Fanboy and Chum Chum

    Zany adventures are low on depth but high on imagination.

  • Pick of the Week

    Bestselling Books

    Bestselling Books

    Popular new reads kids are buying today.

  • Game of the Week

    Age 8+
    LEGO Rock Band

    LEGO Rock Band

    Simplified, no-fail Rock Band with a whimsical story.

Give Us a Minute, Get a Lot of Common Sense!
  • Age-appropriate best bets for your kids
  • Weekly email alert with the latest picks, reviews & advice
  • Post your own reviews and share them with friends
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
A screen name protects your privacy
(It's free!)

Already a member? Log in
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.
To post a review or comment you must become a Common Sense Member. It's easy!
Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations.
A screen name protects your privacy
Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
(optional)
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child

Already a member? Log in
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.
We can make Common Sense just right for you. With a little info about you and your family, you'll get the most out of our site.
Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!
Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child
Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations
A screen name protects your privacy
Already a member? Log in
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.
Register to add this school to your profile. You'll be able to see and share reviews from parents, teachers, and kids at your child's school.
I'm already a Common Sense member.
Kids under 13 must use a screen name
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.