Angel
By Lucy Maher,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Buffy spin-off fights new demons in L.A.
A Lot or a Little?
What you will—and won't—find in this TV show.
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Community Reviews
Based on 10 parent reviews
There is sexual violence present
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Really good and underrated
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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?
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.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
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?
TV Details
- Premiere date: October 5, 1999
- Cast: Alexis Denisof, Charisma Carpenter, David Boreanaz
- Networks: Syndicated, TNT
- Genre: Science Fiction
- Character Strengths: Integrity, Perseverance
- TV rating: TV-PG
- Last updated: October 13, 2022
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