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Joan of Arcadia

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 11, age appropriate for kids over 14; suggested age 14.

  • Is it any good?

    4.0
  • Common Sense says

    God talks to a surly teen.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 14 and Up

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    Joan hears the voice of God in many different races and sexes -- also, her brother is disabled. Nothing funny/nothing cruel.

What to watch out for

  • Violence:

    No violence but a really grisly murder scene and body kicked off the show.
  • Sex:

    Not an issue.
  • Language:

    Normal teenage angst dinner table conversation -- sassy at times.
  • Consumerism:

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

    None in the first episode.

What Parents Need to Know

This review of Joan of Arcadia was written by Common Sense Media Editors

Parents need to know that this show features a surly teenager, a geeky younger brother, an angry older brother: All very familiar teen types and interactions. But Joan hears the voice of God coming from a "hottie" guy, a black cafeteria worker, etc. and it leads her -- against her desire -- to do something that ends up helping her brother. The grisly murder setups and the way God is portrayed may be upsetting or confusing for younger viewers.

Families Can Talk About

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  • Families can talk about what kids think of portraying God this way. Do you think it's important to try to help others? What do you think about fate, purpose and interconnection?
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More on Joan of Arcadia

What’s the Story?

In JOAN OF ARCADIA, a high school teen finds herself talking to God in everyday situations such as the halls of her high school. In so doing many questions of God and faith come up between her and her friends. Her geeky science-loving younger brother believes in God and says that science proves it's so; there's also a sassy sister and a brother in a wheelchair who is angry at losing his mobility due to a car accident. Joan's parents are played by Joe Mantegna and Mary Steenburgen.

Is It Any Good?

This show brings up the big questions -- who is God? What is our obligation to others? How do we know God's will? And it does all this in a surprisingly unpreachy and non-partisan way. But it might offend some who have concrete ideas of who God is and how God talks to us or irritate those who don't believe in God at all. These audiences probably should not watch.

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Our Members Say

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Most Recent Reviews

  1. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Illinois
    I rate this title on for age 13 and give it 5.0
    • My highlights are:
    • Positive messages
    • Good role models

    Joan learns to trust God and submit to His will - strange concept in today's world.

    Joan experiences hardships doing as God asks but sees the good done in the end. She learns to trust God, submit to His will and submit her personal good for a better, higher good of another. Amazing!

  2. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Texas
    I rate this title on for age 8 and give it 5.0

  3. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in South Carolina
    I rate this title on for age 11 and give it 5.0

    Excellent!

    Television is being redeemed! We love this show. It deals with social situations for teenagers, older youth, parents, and whole families. It shows how the smallest deed by a normal teeneger can cause a ripple effect of positive changes in many people's lives. Problems are lovingly dealth with and worked through. Joan is an example of a teenager who uses her brain, and her heart, to make decisions. Wonderful experience!

  4. Adult Reviewer
    I rate this title on for age 11 and give it 5.0

    A Gotta See Show

    If you are anybody you will watch this show! First of all, she talks to god which automatically makes a good story line. Great sense of humor, and wonderful. Joan (Amber Tamblyn) is not only pretty, but is a great actress. All her effort really paid off. John Ritters son who in this show became paralyzed from the waist down is witty. The father is a police man is very addicting to watch. The show has a very slight C.S.I. theme in it! Absolutley GREAT!

  5. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in New York
    I rate this title on for age 8 and give it 5.0

    Encouages you to `Think` about life situations

    This is a good show that addresses every day issues for kids growing up in a light hearted yet mindful way. Great acting - very realistic and emphsizing right from wrong. Keeps kids(and adults) attention. TV put to good use.

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