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John Doe

(Rated TV-PG, Science fiction , Starring Dominic Purcell, Sprague Grayden, Jayne Brook, Where to watch: Syfy)

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 14, age appropriate for kids over 99; suggested age 14.

  • Is it any good?

    3.0

  • Common Sense says

    Sci-fi MacGyver solves crimes, searches for self.

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 14–18

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    Although the main characters are generally moral, positive people on the right side of the law, every episode involves encounters with criminals or crime. The ongoing central mystery is shrouded in deception and manipulation.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence:

    Gunfire and gunshot wounds, fights, threats of violence, menacing acts, man hits woman in face (knocking her down), murder victims in various states, serial killers, swimming pool filled with blood in one episode.

  • Sex:

    Some dating and flirting, but nothing graphic; one episode discusses sperm bank donations.

  • Language:

    "Hellhole," "crack heads," "whores," etc.

  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    References to drug use in context of investigations; some social drinking.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About John Doe

Parents need to know that this sci-fi crime series can be quite violent. Characters often use weapons and get in fights; episodes have included hostage situations, gunshot wounds, a swimming pool filled with blood, a man knocking a woman down, and so on. Murder victims show up in various gruesome states (cut in half, brains removed, etc.). Discussion of criminal investigations include references to "whores" and "crack heads," and there's some other minor profanity. Some episodes include information about how to make explosives (combine drain cleaner and lemonade) and other potentially iffy material.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about the ongoing appeal of the science-fiction genre. What makes a TV show or movie "sci-fi"? Is it easier to accept violence in media that already has a basic need for you to suspend your disbelief? Why or why not? What purpose does the violence in this show serve? What messages does it send? Families can also talk about special abilities. Would you enjoy having John's encyclopedic knowledge of the world? Why or why not? What other special ability would you like to have?
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