Unsolved Mysteries - TV-PG
TV Rating: TV-PG
Network: Lifetime Real Women Cast: Robert Stack
Genre: Reality TV
Available on: 
DVD
Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that this series' entire focus is on unsolved crimes and other incidents. Many stories describe illegal -- and often violent -- behavior, while other episodes deal with missing persons and supposed supernatural phenomena. Reenactments sometimes include guns, gunfire, and visible blood. While these images aren't as graphic as what you'll find in similar contemporary shows, the show's sporadic violence and frequent creepiness are probably enough to give most parents pause.
Families can talk about the media's relationship with crime. Is there a rush to report sensational stories before all the facts are evident? What effect can TV coverage have on how justice is carried out? Is it the media's job to get involved in solving crimes like the ones featured on this show? When is it appropriate to ask the public to help find clues to a crime? How do you think law enforcement officials follow up on the leads generated by the show? Do you think the reenactments are necessary, or do they serve merely to titillate the audience?
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Melissa Camacho
UNSOLVED MYSTERIES highlights unresolved crimes and strange occurrences in hopes that the public will help shed light on them and bring closure to those involved.
Hosted by Robert Stack (Airplane!), the series -- which originally ran from 1987-2002 and still airs in syndication -- features stories about everything from violent crimes and bank robberies to missing persons and unexplained phenomena like UFO abductions and ghostly sightings. The common thread? All of the incidents left law enforcement officials and private investigators scratching their heads, unable to stamp "case closed" on their paperwork.
One of television's first interactive series, Unsolved Mysteries has always urged viewers to call or write in with any information they may have that could help solve these real-life mysteries. And the approach seems to work: To date, the show has used viewer-provided leads to help solve more than 300 cases.
Each story is told using file photos and interviews with people involved in the case -- from law enforcement officials and crime victims to people searching for loved ones and witnesses to strange events. Episodes also include reenactments of some of the story's key moments, often performed by the people being interviewed.
Now noticeably dated, the series lacks the flashiness of contemporary crime-solving reality shows. While some of the re-created events feature guns, people getting shot, and images of bloody items allegedly used in a crime, these scenes are mild compared to the graphic crime images on television today. For some, that might detract from the entertainment value -- but at least the sanitized version of events allows the viewer to focus on the details of the case rather than being shocked by them.
Updates to the featured stories are available on the show's Web site. Fans might also like Cold Case Files, MythBusters, and classic episodes of America's Most Wanted.
Rate It!
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Sexual ContentOccasional descriptions of sexual behavior, as it relates to the mystery being described. |
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ViolenceFrequent descriptions of violent behavior. Guns, gunfire, and blood are frequently visible in the crime reenactments. |
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Social BehaviorThe series does a good service by publicizing unresolved cases in hopes of promoting closure/resolution. Discussions of criminal behavior are a key part of the show. People profiled on the show come from diverse socio-economic, racial, and ethnic backgrounds. |
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Drug/Alcohol/TobaccoAlcohol, tobacco, and drug paraphernalia are often visible in reenactments. Occasional smoking footage. |
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