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Unsolved Mysteries

(Rated TV-PG, Reality TV, Starring Robert Stack, Where to watch: Lifetime Real Women, DVD)

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 11, age appropriate for kids over 14; suggested age 12.

  • Is it any good?

    3.0

  • Common Sense says

    Reenactments of real-life mysteries can be creepy.

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 12–14

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    The 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.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence:

    Frequent descriptions of violent behavior. Guns, gunfire, and blood are frequently visible in the crime reenactments.

  • Sex:

    Occasional descriptions of sexual behavior, as it relates to the mystery being described.

  • Language:

    Not an issue.

  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Alcohol, tobacco, and drug paraphernalia are often visible in reenactments. Occasional smoking footage.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Unsolved Mysteries

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.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • 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?
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Our Members Say

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Most Recent Reviews

  1. Kid Reviewer Age 11
    shmulik98
    Lives in Massachusetts
    I rate this title iffy for age 11 and give it 4.0

    ick

    creepy!!

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
    Flag as inappropriate
  2. Teen Reviewer Age 13
    book_lover411
    Lives in Tennessee
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 3.0

    a creepy show

    i do not reccomend 4 young kids

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
    Flag as inappropriate

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