Tools for this page
Print

Smallville

(Rated TV-PG, Drama, Starring Kristin Kreuk, Tom Welling, Michael Rosenbaum, Where to watch: ABC Family, CW, DVD, Online)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

    (Flash is loading. If this text does not disappear you need to install the latest flash version)

    Not age appropriate for kids under 13, age appropriate for kids over 15; suggested age 13.
  • Is it any good?

    3.0
  • Common Sense says

    The making of a superman -- teens OK.

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 13–15

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    One African-American main character. Female main characters are strong and intelligent. Clark would do almost anything to help his friends and family, but "Evil Clark" (blame the red kryptonite) isn't as nice.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence:

    Frequent action violence with fists, guns, and kryptonite all serving as weapons. Characters face life-threatening situations. Some shooting deaths with blood.
  • Sex:

    Some making out, occasional nudity implied (in one episode a murder victim -- a teenage girl -- waited for her date in the shower).
  • Language:

    Occasional mild expletives ("hell," "damn," "bastard," etc.).
  • Consumerism:

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

    High school parties have included alcohol, and Lex Luthor drinks scotch. Clark's use of red kryptonite, which controlls him and alters his behavior, was akin to a drug addiction.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Smallville

Parents need to know that the series is frequently bloody and violent. While the program deals with a wide range of topics and good eventually overcomes evil, gory fight scenes and evil villains might frighten younger children. As the characters have aged, sex and drama have been introduced to spice up ratings and story lines.

Read our full review by Betsy Wallace and Caroline Gates-Shannon

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about teen sex on TV using as an example Lana and Clark's decision to have sex. What do kids think of their actions? Was it right for them to take things further despite the fact that they weren't in a consistent long-term relationship? Do kids think the drama of relationships gets in the way of the superhero themes?

Want more? Get Common Sense recommendations delivered to your inbox.

Our Members Say

Have you seen it? Review It!

  • What did you think about Smallville?
  •  I think this show is

    for ages

  •  I also give it

  •  Any concerns?

  •  Any highlights?

  •  Love it? Hate it?

  • or to post a review
See all 49 member reviews

Most Recent Reviews

  1. Parent Reviewer
    I rate this title on for age 12 and give it 3.0
    My concerns are:
    • Inappropriate sexual content

    • My highlights are:
    • Positive messages

    Ok for tweens with parents

    I think the violence is more comic book action, so it's ok. I don't think the sex is too explicit, and you can discuss it with your tween.

  2. I rate this title on for age 13 and give it 5.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence

    • My highlights are:
    • Positive messages
    • Good role models

    The best Superman story ever (besides the comics of course)!

    This is a fantastic show. Now in it's ninth season it is better than it's ever been. This season is a bit darker. There is a fair amount of violence and some blood but not graphic violence by any means.

  3. Kid Reviewer Age 12
    Lives in Massachusetts
    I rate this title iffy for age 12 and give it 5.0

  4. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Louisiana
    I rate this title on for age 12 and give it 3.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence
    • Inappropriate sexual content
    • Inappropriate language
    • Drinking, smoking, or drug use

    • My highlights are:
    • Positive messages
    • Good role models

    This "Superman" Series is in Fact Legendary.

    This show was fantastic in Season One, but now going into Season Nine it has declined in quality. But, even now, it is probably the best Superman show ever made. It has frequent sci-fi violence, sexual content is prominant in Seasons Two through Five and fairly strong, language was a problem in Seasons One through Five, and alcohol use was a problem in Seasons One through Seven. Seasons Eight and (soon-to-be Nine) are the cleanest and most family-friendly due to Clark having his squeaky-clean Superman persona. This show is good for kids to watch because of how Clark Kent always does the right thing in all situations. Bottom line: This show is usually rated TV-PG DV. Ages 12+. 4/5 stars. Enjoy.

  5. Teen Reviewer Age 17
    Lives in Virginia
    I rate this title iffy for age 12 and give it 4.0

    Pretty darn good

    This is a rather good show its not for any one under 12 or so but then it depends on the kid. my dad started to watch it and we have been hooked since the earlier seasons are a bit monotonous but the newer ones seem to have a pretty good story line. it is occasionally racy but better than a number of shows I've seen. it just bugs me that he cant fly yet.

More Great Stuff For Your Kids

  • Most Popular This Week

    New Moon Is Rising

    New Moon Is Rising

    Fans are gearing up for the 11/20 release.

  • Tech Tip

    How to help them think more ... and want less.Making the Sale

    How to help them think more ... and want less.

  • Book of the Week

    Lips Touch Three Times

    Lips Touch Three Times

    Wildly inventive, wonderful fairy tales for mature teens.

  • Member Buzz

    Sending Mom a TXT

    Sending Mom a TXT

    Is it easier for parents to communicate with their kids via text?

  • Game of the Week

    Ni Hao, Kai-Lan: New Year's Celebration

    Ni Hao, Kai-Lan: New Year's Celebration

    Virtual Chinese New Year with perfectly designed games.

Give Us a Minute, Get a Lot of Common Sense!
  • Age-appropriate best bets for your kids
  • Weekly email alert with the latest picks, reviews & advice
  • Post your own reviews and share them with friends

This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
A screen name protects your privacy
To post a review or comment you must become a Common Sense Member. It's easy!

Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.

Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations.
A screen name protects your privacy

Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
(optional)
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child

We can make Common Sense just right for you. With a little info about you and your family, you'll get the most out of our site.

Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.

Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!
Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child

Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations
A screen name protects your privacy
Register to add this school to your profile. You'll be able to see and share reviews from parents, teachers, and kids at your child's school.
I'm already a Common Sense member.
Kids under 13 must use a screen name