It's allways good
MacGyver
(Rated TV-PG, Drama, Starring Richard Dean Anderson, Dana Elcar, Where to watch: TV Land, Syndicated, DVD, Online)
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Is it age appropriate?
About our ratings -
Is it any good?
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Common Sense says
80s action hero relies on smarts, not violence.
Why We Rated This 
for Ages 11 and Up
The good stuff
What to watch out for
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Violence:
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What Parents Need to Know
This review of MacGyver was written by Lucy Maher
Parents need to know that this adventure drama is about an ex-secret agent who uses his investigative skills and prowess with gadgets to ferret out bad guys on missions for his justice-seeking employer. Although MacGyver is a clever, admirable hero who prefers to use his smarts -- rather than weapons -- to defeat his opponents (making him a rarity in the media world), in some scenes he has to physically defend himself. Other scenes include relatively mild violence like car crashes and explosions (which mostly harm things, not people). Some kids might try to re-create Mac's homemade devices, so a refresher on the difference between TV and real life may be in order.
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 the law enforcement system. What are the different branches of law enforcement -- from local police to the FBI -- and how are they distinguishable from one another? Are there some situations that mainstream law enforcement officials can't handle? Do you think there are real operatives like MacGyver out there? Families can also talk about MacGyver's methods. What makes him different from other action heroes? How do you think he learned all of the tricks he uses to get out of jams? How could a real-life person acquire that kind of knowledge? What would you do in his place?
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More on MacGyver
What’s the Story?
In the classic '80s adventure drama MACGYVER, Richard Dean Anderson plays an ex-Special Forces operative who travels the world on missions for a crime-fighting organization called the Phoenix Foundation. Any given week might find him doing anything from rescuing a Russian dissident's kidnapped son to helping the grandmother of a graffiti artist who's in danger of eviction. What makes "Mac" such an interesting character (and a strong role model) is his tendency to eschew violence, instead relying on creativity, ingenuity, and science to solve his cases. Ultimately, his ability to use everyday items -- such as cleaning solutions, barbed wire, duct tape, and his trusty Swiss Army knife -- to come up with ways to effectively fend off his enemies turned him into a TV icon. The show's only other regular character is Pete Thornton (Dana Elcar), a fellow ex-agent who runs the field operations at the Phoenix Foundation and is Mac's good friend and colleague; recurring characters include Murdoc (Michael Des Barres), a hit man who constantly goes up against MacGyver, and Penny Parker (Teri Hatcher), a loopy would-be actress who can't stay out of trouble.
Is It Any Good?
While MacGyver does have moments of violence (explosions, crashes, etc.), they're usually the by-product of Mac's resourcefulness and aren't gratuitous or used as a means to an end. Although some viewers who prefer today's higher-quality productions or like their dramas more action-packed might be bored, thanks to its discussion-worthy situations and lack of brutality, MacGyver is perfect fare for a family that wants to enjoy a night together in front of the tube.
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Most Recent Reviews
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I rate this title on for age 10 and give it
Perfect for anyone at 10 and over
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