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Blood Ties (Lifetime Television)

common sense media says

P.I. and vampire partner take a bite out of crime.

parents & educators say
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What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this crime drama deals with vampires, demons, and the supernatural. Violence is prevalent and includes victims being beaten, men ritualistically slashing their skin, shots of murder victims with their necks slashed, and a vampire feeding on the blood of a willing donor. Female characters are shown in bras, and some scenes show couples in the breathless throes of sex. The dark tone and frequent blood will probably rule this one out for tweens, but teens and adults may enjoy the show's original premise and suspense.

Positive messages: The protagonist is a fearless, intelligent female ex-cop who puts herself at risk to save victims.
Violence: Murder scenes include victims being beaten and close-ups of them with their necks slashed. Corpses are shown in a police morgue, and characters cut and stab themselves. In one scene, a man's chest is covered in deep slashes. A vampire feeds on the blood of a willing victim.
Sex: Infrequent sex scenes show women in bras; in one, a woman breathlessly finishes having sex with a man.
Language: "Hell," "damn," "bitch," etc.
Consumerism: Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Adults occasionally smoke and drink beer. Mention of drugs like crystal meth during criminal investigations.
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

More on Blood Ties

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about the supernatural. How plausible do witchcraft and dark arts seem to you? What kinds of theories or myths have you heard about them? What makes you believe or discount them? How has belief in mysticism been treated throughout history? Why is pop culture so fascinated by vampires, from books to movies and TV shows? Parents can also talk with their teens about personal safety. What precautions should you take if you're out after dark? How can you help make sure that you don't become a target of a crime? What would you do if you saw a crime in progress?

What's the story?

What's the story?
Inspired by Tanya Huff's The Blood Books series, BLOOD TIES puts a supernatural twist on the standard primetime crime drama. Vicki Nelson (Christina Cox), a former police detective who's now an independent private investigator, begins investigating a shadowy murder when the victim's girlfriend (Gina Holden) shows up in Vicki's office claiming the death is the work of a vampire. When Vicki's life is later saved by a handsome dark-clad stranger (Kyle Schmid) who's doing his own detective work on the case, he introduces himself as Henry, a nearly 500-year-old vampire (and son of Henry VIII, no less) who's working to stop the demon committing the vicious murders. Tracking down supernatural evildoers not only suits the unlikely new team, it also sparks a romantic interest that doesn't escape the watchful eyes of Vicki's former boyfriend, Mike (Dylan Neal), whose presence on the police force ensures that his path frequently crosses hers.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 

With Vicki's love life almost as mysterious as the centuries-old dark arts of vampires, Blood Ties is a surprisingly enjoyable blend of mysticism, suspense, and romantic tension. The series is fun for adults and teens, but strong violence, mature themes, and sexual content make it iffy for tweens.

TV themes & details

TV Details
TV Rating: TV-14
Network: Lifetime Television
Cast: Christina Cox, Dylan Neal, Kyle Schmid
Genre: Drama
Where to watch: Lifetime Television
This review was written by Emily Ashby
 
 

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What parents & educators say

Most useful reviews by all members

ShoveledSnow
adult
 
The perfect crime drama!
If you liked the X-Files and CSI, you'll like Blood Ties... especially if you happen to be a fan of the vampire mythology. This show is never boring and always leaves me on the edge of the seat (not literally!) wondering what's going to happen next. The main characters are eye-pleasing and portrayed by people that actually know how to draw you into the characters they're playing. I don't think it's that scary, but I'd still say to be sure you've watched a few episodes first and know your kid's fright-level before letting them watch it if they're under 13.
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HoosierMama
adult
 
Great show, not for kids
I have 3 kids (3, 6, & 11). I love this show, but wait until they are in bed to watch it. It is pretty scary for them to watch.
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vekolisa
adult
 
I looked forward to watching the next episode.
I think it's a great episode and look forward to seeing them all. I stay wondering what is going to happen next it's never boring to watch. Great show!!!! Veko
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ameagan
adult
 
i cried
i love the best that i'v seen
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freg
adult
 
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treisme
adult
 
Must see on Lifetime
a new series to cover all the basis, love triangles? Got them, supernatural baddies, got them too.. Gorgeous stars with a natural ability to make you see the character? got them aplenty. a strong female lead, playing a PI that partners with a gorgeous vamp.. and an ex boyfriend partner whose a cop spells hours of fun and enjoyment. If you haven't seen it.. Tune in on Sunday nights.. A crime series with a bite
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ON: Content is appropriate for kids this age.
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