I'm 19 years old and i started watching this show when it first came on and i was in 1st grade. It didn't harmed me in anyway and i think it helped shap me in a good way, like my humor, and being open minded. buffy can be a good role model for girls she is a storng woman. but faweld like EVERYONE and it is a tv show for entertainment. but i can tell you when i have kids i'm poping buffy in the dvd player when they hit first grade. then again when there in late middle or high school so they can appercait it all over again. sorry for all the miss spelt words and type-o's, didnt use spell check and not re reading, dont have time. but buffy is a really great show with a lot to offer.
Buffy the Vampire Slayer
(Rated TV-PG, Science fiction , Starring Sarah Michelle Gellar, Seth Green, David Boreanaz, Alyson Hannigan, Where to watch: FX, DVD, Online)
-
Is it age appropriate?
About our ratings -
Is it any good?
-
Common Sense says
Cult vampire series has witty bite. Teens and up.
Why We Rated This 
for Ages 13–15
The good stuff
What to watch out for
-
Violence:
-
Sex:
-
Language:
-
Consumerism:
-
Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
What Parents Need to Know
This review of Buffy the Vampire Slayer was written by Paul Trandahl
Parents need to know that while even grade-schoolers may enjoy the horror-movie aspects of this hugely popular vampire series, its mature themes are not a good fit for kids that young. Even kids as young as 12 -- who will enjoy the action and have fun with the one-liners -- probably aren't quite ready for the dark, adult issues the show tackles. Buffy is in mortal danger in most episodes, she loses her virginity to her (much) older boyfriend, and monsters are everywhere. On the upside, the series encourages strength in girls, mentoring, and teamwork. The series is best for teens and adults, who will appreciate the multi-leveled story and the Romeo and Juliet subtext of some of the episodes.
Families Can Talk About
Talk to your kids about the media in their life. We have more tools and tips that can help
- Families can talk about how Buffy deals with the pressure of her "calling." How do teens deal with the pressures they face every day? Can they draw any parallels between Buffy's life and "normal" high school experience? The show's characters place a great deal of importance on integrity, working as a team and learning to sacrifice for the greater good. Families can talk about how they apply those values in their own lives. What do they consider the greater good? Families may also want to discuss the series' sexual content, including their views about virginity and sex.
Have you seen it? Review It!
More on Buffy the Vampire Slayer
What’s the Story?
This cult series about a tough blond vampire slayer constrasts the bright, mundane world of high school with the menacing, shadowy world of the vampires. Sarah Michelle Gellar stars as the titular slayer; the rest of the group includes friends Xander (Nicholas Brendon) and Willow (Alyson Hannigan), mentor Giles (Anthony Stewart Head), werewolf Oz (Seth Green), vampires Angel (David Boreanaz) and Spike (James Marsters), and many more. Buffy just wants to be a normal teenager, but she can't escape her destiny as the Chosen One when she moves to Sunnydale, Calif., which happens to be right over the Hellmouth -- a mystic spot that allows demons and other evil creatures into the world.
Is It Any Good?
Clever writing and an appealing cast make this cult series eminently watchable. The show's content can sometimes be gruesome and disturbing for younger or more sensitive teens, but excellent writing and a light hand take away some of the intensity. Teens will definitely identify with Buffy's sense of dread, even if their own dread is over a test, rather than the appearance of vampires. Though Buffy is by no means educational, characters place a great deal of importance on integrity, working as a team and learning to sacrifice for the greater good.
Our Members Say
See all 37 member reviews
Most Recent Reviews
-
I rate this title on for age 6 and give it
- My highlights are:
- Good role models
-
I rate this title iffy for age 12 and give it
- My concerns are:
- Inappropriate language
- My highlights are:
- Good role models
Perfect for teenage girls who like vampires
It's a really good show. Mostly teen girls will love it. About a girl that has to fight bad demons and vampire's. Occasionall swearing. Some sex is referred to but it never actually shows anything.
-
I rate this title iffy for age 8 and give it
- My concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- My highlights are:
- Good role models
Earlier seasons are fine for tweens who aren't easily frightened, but later seasons should wait.
My kids love it, as do I. While I do think there is stuff that's simply over their heads, that's not what I tend to be concerned about with television. It's the stuff that they're getting that concerns me more than whether they understand the metaphor and subtext. The sex is very tame, and the violence is fairly cartoon-y. Meanwhile, the messages of tolerance, respect and strength are fabulous. Characters are complex and show that everyone has a bit of light and a bit of darkness in them, and that the way we choose to treat our light and dark aspects is what makes us good and bad people. It is actions, not impulses that make us good - a particularly good message for children, who often find themselves in over their heads emotionally. That said, I do not allow my youngest to watch Hush (too scary, it'll give her nightmares) and a handful of other episodes in the first 4 or 5 seasons and I think seasons 6 and 7 are flat out too scary for her altogether. Judging this series in its entirety is difficult, as it evolves, changes and becomes more sophisticated with time.
-
I rate this title on for age 13 and give it
- My concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- Inappropriate sexual content
Get This Show It's Awesome
Another one of Joss Whedon's genius shows! It went on for 7 seasons and I can see why. Buffy the Vampire Slayer is a piece of art that no one can ever remake.
-
I rate this title on for age 13 and give it
- My concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- Inappropriate sexual content
Get This Show It's Awesome
Another one of Joss Whedon's genius shows! It went on for 7 seasons and I can see why. Buffy the Vampire Slayer is a piece of art that no one can ever remake.
Give Recommendations, Get Them, Too!
Become a member and get recommendations from other parents based on your child's age.Tell us your child's age:
Already a member? Log inOur Members Rate It
Ratings at a Glance
| 80% | of parents say there are good role models |
| 60% | of parents say it gives kids positive messages |
Have you seen it?
For Your Family
Get age-based recommendations for your kids:
Customize based on your child's age
