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Primeval

(Rated TV-PG, Science fiction , Starring Douglas Henshall, James Murray, Hannah Spearritt, Where to watch: BBC America, DVD)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 9, age appropriate for kids over 11; suggested age 11.
  • Is it any good?

    2.0
  • Common Sense says

    Dinosaur action show comes up short on thrills.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 11 and Up

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    People affiliated with government agencies are portrayed as cold, insensitive bureaucrats who want to hide the dinosaurs from the public and are willing to lie if necessary. One official wants to take control of the situation, acting as if he has the authority to force the scientists to comply with his directives, though it's not clear he actually has such power. Part of the story is the ongoing conflict between the scientific interests of the researchers and the goals of the government, which aren't always clearly defined.
  • Violence:

    The dinosaurs are very real looking; though some are cute and cuddly, others are hungry and fierce and could be very scary for young kids. Some are shown attacking children, which might be even more frightening. Some of the beasts are brought down by soldiers with automatic weapons, though there's little blood or gore.
  • Sex:

    Some mild flirting
  • Language:

    Not an issue.
  • Consumerism:

    Some signage for British retail chains.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Not an issue.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Primeval

Parents need to know that some of the dinosaurs in this sci-fi series are hungry, mean, and very scary. Watching a massive beast chasing people -- especially young people -- could be frightening for kids. The show makes some efforts to be accurate, showing creatures that actually existed millions of years ago and sometimes having the characters deliver thumbnail lectures about the dinos' habits and characteristics. But the science definitely takes a back seat to the action, and the show isn't really an educational experience.

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Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about the enduring popularity of dinosaurs. Do you think the dinosaurs in this show act realistically? What do you think of the way the government handles the situation here? How do you think the authorities should act if such monsters are running loose? How would you react if you encountered an actual dinosaur? Why are these creatures used in so many TV shows and movies? Dinosaurs are often popular with kids; do you think a show like this is trying to reach a young audience? Why or why not?

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Our Members Say

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Most Recent Reviews

  1. I rate this title iffy for age 11 and give it 2.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence

    this show is just ok

    this show is just ok but doctor who is way better!!!!!

  2. I rate this title on for age 12 and give it 4.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence
    • Negative role models

    A good series for tweens and teens; not younger kids.

    I have no idea how or why I ever decided to watch this series. I really like it, but I am torn over whether it is my age. What I will say is that no one under 10 should watch it consistantly. I do think it is entertaining, the reason for my 4 stars, but I probably should never have seen it in the first place.

  3. Teen Reviewer Age 15
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 5.0

    kklvflodfp

    jenial buno grandioso

  4. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Kentucky
    I rate this title on for age 13 and give it 4.0

    A Personal Favorite, But Not For Everyone

    This series is awesome in my mind, but it sort of reaches for a narrow audience. For people who love dinosaurs and want to watch an intensely accurate documentary-type series about them, Primeval doesn't quite cut it; as it's mentioned earlier, the series focuses more on action than science--though it does provide a diversity of fairly accurate facts. Also, the series lacks a solid overall story. While every individual episode provides great entertainment and a good plot, the series arcs could use a lot more substance. As far as content goes, I think this series is best viewed by audiences13+. This show features a lot of people dying. While little blood is shown, the deaths are often violent and disturbing. The monsters featured could be considered very frightening to younger kids, and while no sex has been shown directly, references are by the characters throughout the series.

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