Death Valley

Review

Common Sense Media says

MTV spoof series mixes humor, horror, and sexual content.
greenON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
yellowPAUSE: Know your child; some content
may not be right for some kids.
redOFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
not for kidsNOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age.

Find out more

Quality
 
Sometimes media can be age appropriate but a real waste of time. Our star rating assesses the media's overall quality.

Find out more

Parents say

Not yet rated

Kids say

Not yet rated

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this MTV comedy-horror series features lots of shooting, stabbing, clubbing, etc., accompanied by plenty of blood and gore. While most of it is fantasy violence, more sensitive (or squeamish) viewers will find it hard to watch. The language is pretty salty ("bitch" and "p---y" are audible, while "f--k" and "s--t" are bleeped), and characters frequently make strong sexual comments (like crude references to genitalia and talk about an officer's virginity).

  • Positive messages0
    The series satirizes contemporary media's focus on horror figures like vampires and zombies. Violence is exaggerated and treated comically.
  • Positive role models0
    Captain Dashell and his team are committed to protecting people from the undead and don't hesitate to violently eliminate them.
  • Violence4
    Lots of fantasy blood and gore. Officers kick, punch, stab, club, and shoot the undead. Some of the physical fights are comical, while others are quite vicious. Vomiting is visible.
  • Sex4
    Strong sexual references relating to genitalia and virginity; references to "p---y," "t-ts," and "balls." People are shown in skimpy underwear and in various stages of undress. Occasional photos containing nudity are blurred. Vampire prostitution (a.k.a. "sex for blood") is a common theme; suspects are often caught participating in various sex acts.
  • Language3
    Words like "ass," "pissed," and "damn" are audible; curses like "f--k" and "s--t" are bleeped.
  • Consumerism2
    Songs from bands like Lights On and The Willowz are featured every week. References to popular shows like Glee.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking0
    Not applicable.
CloseExpand to see more details

What's the story?

DEATH VALLEY is a scripted series that follows the fictitious LAPD's Undead Task Force as they struggle to control the vampires, werewolves, and zombies that are trying to take over the San Fernando Valley. Captain Frank Dashell (Bryan Callen) and his team -- Officers Joe Stubeck (Charlie Sanders), Billy Pierce (Bryce Johnson), Carla Rinaldi (Tania Raymonde), and John Johnson (Texas Battle) -- chase the undead and eliminate them if necessary. Also joining the fight is rookie officer Kirsten Landry (Caity Lotz). As the law-enforcement team bravely protects the public from these terrifying beings, a local TV crew follows their every move, hoping to show viewers what it takes to fight the undead in Southern California.

Is it any good?

 

This series dresses up its simple (and somewhat silly) plot line with slapstick humor and lots of blood and gore. It also pokes fun at reality law-enforcement shows like COPS by featuring scenes that look and feel like the real-life police chases and drive-alongs featured in these programs, but with a comic twist.

It's pretty funny, but it also has lots of violent moments, many of which include the use of guns, clubs, and other weapons. Severed body parts and other gruesome details are also standard fare. This, combined with some sexually explicit content and salty language, makes it a show best left for older teens.

Sign Up Message
Sign up for our weekly newsletter
Each week we send a customized newsletter to our parent and teen subscribers. Parents can customize their settings to receive recommendations and parent tips based on their kids’ ages. Teens receive a version just for them with the latest reviews and top picks for movies, video games, apps, music, books, and more.
Please enter an email address.
Please check your email address for possible typos.
Sorry, you must be 13 or older to subscribe to our weekly newsletter.
Sign me up!

What families can talk about

  • Families can talk about the horror genre. What makes horror TV shows/films entertaining? Is it the blood and gore? The suspense and fear they try to create? Do horror films/shows have to be violent to be scary?

  • What's the effect of combining violence with comedy? Does it desensitize viewers? Does it change its significance? How do you feel after you watch violent shows?

  • What are some of the best horror films/TV shows of all time?

This review was written by Melissa Camacho

There aren't any reviews yet. Be the first to review this title below.
This review was written by Melissa Camacho
TV rating:TV-14
Network:MTV
Cast:Bryan Callen, Bryce Johnson, Charlie Sanders
Genre:Comedy
This review was written by Melissa Camacho
 

Review It

Share your review with others

Hang on! You need to be a member to post your review.
A safe community is important to us. Please observe our guidelines.
About our rating system
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.
Learning ratings
BEST: Really engaging, great learning approach.
GOOD: Pretty engaging, good learning approach.
FAIR: Somewhat engaging, OK learning approach.
NOT FOR LEARNING: Not recommended for learning.
Our child development rating guidelines

Great alternatives handpicked by our editors

Other horror options for teens
For kids who love scary stuff
Browse more TV
 

vote now

Will you see Death Valley?

Won't miss it
We'll try
Change it

Already seen it? What do you think?

I recommend it
It's a pass
 
More from Common Sense Media
Age-appropriate reviews
Top advice and articles

Been There? Tell us about it