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Angel (Syndicated, TNT)

common sense media says

Buffy spin-off fights new demons in L.A.

parents & educators say
  • 29% say there are positive messages
See all 13 reviews | Review it

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that while even grade-schoolers may enjoy the horror-movie aspects of this series (a spin-off of the hugely popular Buffy the Vampire Slayer), its mature themes make it a better fit for teens. Monsters and other creepy-looking baddies make frequent appearances on the show, and some storylines (an implied homosexual romance, for example) are adult enough that parents may want to preview before letting older tweens and young teens watch.

Positive messages: Angel is a bad vampire turned good who now devotes himself to battling evil beings.
Violence: Supernatural meddling results in invisible punches and the like. The vampires' enemies are menacing, scary-looking creatures.
Sex: Characters date, but there's no implied nudity or too much beyond kissing. Some implications of homosexual relationships. The vampire myth is traditionally a very sexualized one.
Language: Mild: "Damn," "hell," etc.
Consumerism: Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not applicable.
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

More on Angel

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about mythological creatures -- like vampires. What are their traits? What's their role in folklore? Why is pop culture so fascinated by vampires, from books to movies and TV shows? What does this series have in common with its "parent," Buffy? What sets it apart? Why do you think it never got as popular as Buffy did?

What's the story?

What's the story?
In ANGEL, a spin-off of cult phenomenon Buffy the Vampire Slayer, the titular vampire (Buffy's ex) takes on Los Angeles' dark forces -- including other vampires, demons, and even lawyers. David Boreanaz plays Angel -- who, as Angelus, was one of the world's most evil vampires. Having seen the error of his ways, he founds Angel Investigations, whose two-part mission is to protect those who can't defend themselves and to help lost souls find their way. Working alongside him are Cordelia Chase (Charisma Carpenter), a former classmate of Buffy's who's moved to L.A. in search of fame and fortune; Allen Francis Doyle (Glenn Quinn), Angel's trusted friend; and Wesley Wyndam-Pryce (Alexis Denisof), a self-described "rogue hunter."

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 

Angel has all the ingredients for a successful TV drama: attractive Gen-X characters, interesting storylines, and enough (mostly) innocent romance to keep both teen viewers -- and their parents -- happy. Still, the show's themes of redemption, its noir undertones, and the callous acts that some of the unprotected fall victim to makes the show best suited for teens and up.

TV themes & details

TV Details
TV Rating: TV-PG
Network: Syndicated
Cast: Alexis Denisof, Charisma Carpenter, David Boreanaz
Genre: Science Fiction
Where to watch: Syndicated
This review was written by Lucy Maher
 
 

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What parents & educators say

11
Based on 7 parent & educator reviews:
  • 29% say there are positive messages
Read the reviews

Most useful reviews by all members

CommanderC
adult
 
Better than Buffy.
This is the only spin-off show in existance that surpasses the show it parted from. While Angel is darker, it is also more human. Which is kind of ironic, because as a vampire, Angel is far from human. That being said, Angel's drive to be 'human' in his actions, and for redemption gives more meaning to his quest. Also, the humor is quick and all the side charactors are even more enjoyable than those from Sunnydale.
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kobukgirl96
teen, 16 years old
14
 
love it up until one episode that was to disturbing about a mom who tied her son and put him in a wall and plastered brick up and killed him so beware if you are ready for some disturbing things and talk of sex.
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smileygirl1996
teen, 17 years old
13
 
Perfect for teenage girls who like twilight!
This TV show is amazing all though i must say Buffy is way better. Teenage girls and parents will love this the idea of a sexy vampire fighting evil a bit like twilight really. It's humourus and thrilling to watch- Warning addiction may acur!
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x3_9106
adult
 
My favorite show I've ever seen.
It doesn't matter that this show never gained as much popularity as "Buffy" did. In my opinion, "Angel" was better-but that might be because I'm into darker themes than "Buffy" traditionally carries. The main character, Angel (go figure), strikes me as an admirable guy. For one thing, as he's trying to atone for years of wrongdoing, he refuses to take the easy way out in multiple situations. This, among other values displayed throughout the five seasons, teaches a very positive lesson that outweighs whatever problems the show might have.
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MississippiQueen
parent of and 2 , 2 , 5 , 7 year old
13
 
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Themaxieriddle
parent of 17 year old
2
 
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HI67
kid, 11 years old
9
 
Buffy was better
Not as good as Buffy.
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Asuma64
teen, 15 years old
10
 
Brilll
I loved buffy the vampire Slayer But in buffy i didn't like angel but now this show is brill!!!! much darker but not more violent
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Julia from Sweden
adult
14
 
Not as good as Buffy - The Vampire Slayer, but then again what is?
A little too much violence, too little drama. But Angel makes me want to watch again just because the supernaturals are so darned funny. As always with Whedon, it keeps getting better in every season.
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BxAmazing123
teen, 16 years old
13
 
Okay first of all this show is amazingly awesome, if you never saw it before you should indeed check it out.
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JamesRobertson
parent of and 7 , 11 , 14 , 17 year old
12
 
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the fallen
adult
14
 
the best vampire story over
i like angel form buffy but when he started his owen show i was in for one fun ride the only thing i did not like about was it had to end
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BONES&BOOT ...
teen, 13 years old
11
 
amazing
fantastic buffy spin off with superb acting done by david boreanaz
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ON: Content is appropriate for kids this age.
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