Charmed - TV-PG
DVD
Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that most of the series' witchcraft and occult-related material is obvious and over-the-top fantasy. But the Wiccan (earth-bound) variety of witchcraft is also shown and hits closer to reality -- Wicca is actually practiced by some in real life. Mature relationships, violence. and characters in peril are common throughout the series.
Families can talk about witchcraft. Do you think it's depicted at all realistically here? Is there any realism at all to the program? Do teens prefer the drama of the sisters' personal lives or its fantasy aspects?
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Betsy Wallace
CHARMED is a cross between Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Sabrina the Teenage Witch.
Like Buffy, the Halliwell sisters have been given powers and a mission to fight evil. But like Sabrina, they haven't completely mastered their magic, and spells often go awry in funny and problematic ways. The series is a strange mix between deathly serious and kooky comedy.
The sisters, also called "the charmed ones," are Phoebe (Alyssa Milano), Paige (Rose McGowan), and Piper (Holly Marie Combs); in earlier seasons, Shannen Doherty played fourth sister Prue. The sisters lived normal lives until learning in their twenties that they held the "power of three" and were predestined to fulfill a witchcraft prophecy.
Each sister has different gift -- the ability to blow things up, freeze things, move objects, and morph into different realms. When they aren't busy being witches, Piper runs a nightclub and Phoebe writes an advice column.
Over its run, the show has constructed an elaborate good vs. evil fantasy world populated by elders, avatars, seers, and demons. Even with some heavily dramatic content involving the death of family members, Charmed remains fundamentally a silly show -- often with weak storylines and poor acting.
For more supernatural thrills, teens might enjoy Surface and Invasion.
Rate It!
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Sexual ContentFemale wardrobes emphasize bare skin and cleavage; sexual innuendos. |
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ViolenceFrequent battling of demons, many of whom die gruesome deaths. The sisters and their loved ones are often in peril. |
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LanguageOccasional profanity on the level of "bitch." |
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Social BehaviorThe sisters often put themselves at risk to protect other people and each other. But given the show's fantasy nature, it's difficult to call them good real-life role models. |
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CommercialismThe network promotes music featured on the show. |
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Drug/Alcohol/TobaccoSome potions/spells put people under an influence, as if they've taken a drug. |
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