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Surgery Saved My Life

(Rated TV-14, Reality TV, Where to watch: Discovery Channel)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 10, age appropriate for kids over 12; suggested age 12.
  • Is it any good?

    4.0
  • Common Sense says

    Real health dramas make good medicine.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 12 and Up

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    The show's focus is on helping people feel better and live healthy lives.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence:

    Some surgical operations can be quite bloody and require forceful pulling, squeezing, and stretching.
  • Sex:

    Some naked body parts, but nothing sexually suggestive; no genitals.
  • Language:

    Not an issue.
  • Consumerism:

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

    Not an issue.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Surgery Saved My Life

Parents need to know that this intense reality show focuses on patients undergoing surgery in life-threatening situations. Viewers learn, in detail, why a person's life is at risk. In one show about spine surgery, for example, viewers find out how a deformed spine presses in on the lungs, making it hard for the patient to breathe. Subjects are sometimes children, making the situations even more emotional. Scenes from the surgery include close-up shots of the inside of bodies, including shots of blood, bone, and organs.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about medicine and science. What aspects of medicine do teens find most fascinating? Are there any budding doctors in the house? What part of practicing medicine would be the most fulfilling? The most challenging? What surgical methods or instruments seem the most technologically advanced? Which seem the most crude? Do you think real-life medical problems belong on TV?

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Most Recent Reviews

  1. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in New York
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 4.0

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