 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Bones
- Fox, Syndicated, TNT
- Genre: Drama
Common Sense Media says
It's CSI, with banter; expect grisly murders.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that since this show is about a forensic anthropologist, many scenes show dead bodies -- some of which are quite grisly. Light sexual discussions take place both jokingly and seriously. Scenes feature fights, guns, and deaths. The characters' interpersonal relationships can get somewhat soap opera-like, but the tone is light overall.
What's the story?
Dr. Temperance "Bones" Brennan (Emily Deschanel) is a hotshot anthropologist who works at the Jeffersonian Institution and writes novels on the side. The character is based on real-life anthropologist and novelist Kathy Reichs; the character's name comes from Reich's novels. In each episode, the FBI turns to Bones and her team at the Jeffersonian to help analyze skeletal fragments of unidentified corpses.
Is it any good?
BONES premiered at a moment in television history when the proceudral series reigned supreme. That's the genre of television where a simple investigative format is pumped full of unique characters and situations, although they mostly turn out to be cop-style shows with varying degrees of quality. Law & Order is the gold standard.
While Bones does not do much to innovate the format, it does have a unique advantage in its two lead characters, Bones (Emily Deschanel) and Booth (David Boreanaz), who share a classic will-they-won't-they banter that never gets old. It's where the acting and writing both shine. That same light tone is attempted throughout the series and even in some of the more absurd crimes investigated, but because the characters are less vivid, the jokes fall flat.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about the gore associated with the many murders on the series. Does the show's lighter tone make it easier to take the scenes of dead bodies?
Is the potential for romance between Bones and Booth appropriate, given that they work together? What are the potential real-life issues involved in a workplace romance?
- Show:
- All members
- Parents
- Teens & kids
AGE
Amazing! But for young kids take in to consideration your childs level of comprehension and ability to handle gory images
I have been watching this show since it first premiered in 2005 so I was 8. I know some parents would never let their kids watch a show like this but I never had a problem with scary images. I am also able to follow the story very well and of course I love the relationship drama. I think parents should let their kids watch if they're interested in forensic anthropology and if they are smart enough to comprehend the plot. There are discussions of relationships which can get inappropriate but don't consume the entire episode. I say don't knock it 'till ya try it!!!
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Kid, 12 years old
May 7, 2011
AGE
AMAZING
OMG!!!!!!!!!!! I AM COMPLETELY ADICTED TO THIS A-M-A-Z-I-N-G SHOW!!!! 1000000000000000000 STARS
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Kid, 12 years old
April 5, 2011
AGE
AWESOME MURDER SHOW
I LOVE BONES!!!!!! This show is awesome. I started watching it when i was 9, and loved it!! There is some violence, but that is only because it is a show based around murder. But you do learn some things. I also think there is good role models, because they are all smart scientists, so overall, GREAT SHOW!!!!
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AGE
Just read it, i think i get the point across
One this show is amazing and two yes they swear, three there are going to be some questionable scenes but i have one question to all of you if your kid is in high school and you don't let watch this what is big difference? I'm in high school and this show is pretty much the same thing so stop pretending.
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AGE
I love this show
This show has positive messages and no more swearing than seems usual for prime-time TV. The violence itself does not seem excessive, though the dead bodies shown may be disturbing. However, for these one may simply glance away for a moment, as there is nothing offensive.
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AGE
Love it Love it Love it
i love this series. the fact the two main actors frequently direct it is great andd i think that apart from the dead bodies the overall humor and the characters are brilliant. (the dead bodies dont bother me)
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AGE
Know the maturity of your child
I love the show and before showing it to son I talked about the potential for gore. He has had the sex talk and are clear on morality. We both enjoy the science.
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AGE
great for older kids, not tweens
LOOOOOOOOOOOOVE this show. I think it does have iffy moments. As I child I maturely skip it. ;)
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AGE
Five Star Show
This is one of the best shows on television. Brilliant casting and really good characters. The corpses are very bloody and can unnerve even me, a fifteen year old with a stomach of wrought iron. The role models aren't quite great either, as the majority of them are agnostics, and one of them is a sex addict. Booth is really the only good role model in the entire show.
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AGE
Some Sex and Violence, but Great Messages
Don't get me wrong, Bones is only for teens who are mature and have a strong moral compass. There is some sex, and even some weird sex portrayed, which my parents worry about, but it is portrayed as weird. I am not referring to the episode with the transgender victim, but the one with the cougar cruise, and the one with the 'pony play'. However, almost all the gruesome scenes are obviously fake, and therefore, not much of a problem. I think that there is more benefits than problems, though.Dr. Brennan has Asbergers, and the viewer watches her as she learns what comes naturally to most of us, and these lessons re-enforce positive morals in teens. Additionally, Booth is a wonderful role model. Booth constantly puts his loved ones before himself, and teaches Brennan and others by his wonderful example.
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| TV rating: | TV-14 |
| Networks: | Fox, Syndicated, TNT |
| Cast: | David Boreanaz, Emily Deschanel, John Francis Daly |
| Genre: | Drama |
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