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Diagnosis X

(Rated TV-PG, Drama, Starring Jaimi Paige, Lawrence Stallings, Matt Thornton, Where to watch: TLC)
  • 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?

    2.0
  • Common Sense says

    Medical docudrama has hokey re-enactments.

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 12–14

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    The series reminds viewers that doctors are human and can make mistakes, but it also gives insight into the emotions they struggle with when they can't help a patient.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence:

    Scenes are made to seem real to viewers, and actors appear to be in pain most of the time. Violent topics like child abuse are always a possibility, and graphic descriptions of how injuries are inflicted on victims can be disturbing.
  • Sex:

    Diagnoses of sexually transmitted diseases like syphilis and gonorrhea might instigate conversations about sexual partners and habits.
  • Language:

    Occasional mild expletives like "hell."
  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Not an issue.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Diagnosis X

Parents need to know that this medical docudrama uses real-life stories as the basis for re-enactments of medical maladies and their diagnoses. Patients are shown in varying levels of pain and distress, and diagnoses sometimes touch on tough subjects like child abuse and sexually transmitted diseases. The raw emotions of the ailing patients and worried family members often tug at your heartstrings, and language sometimes includes mild expletives (mostly "hell"). Tweens who tune in may need further explanation of the medical practices and terms they see and hear.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about how medical series like this one reflect real life. How does the media typically portray doctors and their work? Does this show follow that trend? Do you think medical dramas (like ER) help or hinder the real-life professionals they use as examples? Is it difficult to believe that doctors might make mistakes?

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Our Members Say

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Most Recent Reviews

  1. Teen Reviewer Age 15
    Lives in Texas
    I rate this title iffy for age 2 and give it 4.0

    Vary good show.

    Vary good show but could be a little much for younger kids. 12+

  2. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Ohio
    I rate this title on for age 11 and give it 3.0

    Interesting Medicine, Cheesy Acting

    The medical part of the show is interesting and a lot like it is on Mystery Diagnosis. Otherwise the show is too cheesy, primarily the acting. Whether it is by the actual doctors or supporting characters, the dialogue is usually awkward and melodramatic. The segments where the doctors talk together about things like hypotheses and testing seem entirely contrived. Furthermore, there are sidestories with a doctor, nurse, or technician in some kind of relationship with another. The schmaltziness is barely tolerable. This show seems to be OK for kids about junior-high-school age.

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