TV Details
Starring
Genre
More details
See more TV reviews

Dogfights (History)

common sense media says

Military docu looks at tactics, not consequences.

parents & educators say
See all 9 reviews | Review it

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this historical documentary series is all about conflict and war. Scenes of battles fought in the sky are re-created through computer graphics. The show also uses archival footage of soldiers involved in other missions (some of which involve using weapons and shooting guns), but dead bodies and wounds don't appear on screen. The show's perspective is almost entirely from an American/Western point of view, with limited time devoted to other groups' take on things.

Positive messages: The show highlights military bravery and skill. It offers a limited number of perspectives on the issues and conflicts covered.
Violence: The show is all about war, though not about dead people. Lots of gunfire and bombing.
Sex: Not applicable.
Language: Occasional "hell" and "damn."
Consumerism: Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not applicable.
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

More on Dogfights

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about the show's approach to its topic. Who's the target audience? Who do you think would be most interested in watching these re-created battles? Does it matter that the subjects aren't approached from multiple/differing points of view? Who else would you be interested in hearing from? Families can also discuss the fact that the show makes little mention of death. Does that make it easier for viewers to focus on technology rather than politics?

What's the story?

What's the story?
In DOGFIGHTS, viewers revisit wars and conflicts -- from World War II through Vietnam -- to learn about the detailed exploits of battle aircraft like P-40 Tomahawks and F-86 Sabres. Using top-notch computer animation, each episode brings famous air battles to life. Viewers will feel like they're right up in the sky with the planes as pilots make tactical decisions to outwit and outfight the enemy. The narrator dramatically details each element of the fight, building tension and educating viewers on the dynamics involved in this type of warfare. Expert historians, authors, and military personnel also provide plenty of technical information: including how a pilot harnesses the power of the G-forces to best beat his opponent and what type of ammunition, armor, and horsepower accompanies each type of plane. Some archival footage is also used, which gives the graphics some gravitas.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 

Fans of military history, engineering, tactical planning, and -- especially -- aircraft will probably enjoy the show. Just know that it has an almost unilaterally American perspective and gung-ho attitude toward war. And since the focus is on tactics and strategy, not much time is spent on the fact that people are dying when their planes are shot down.

TV themes & details

TV Details
TV Rating: TV-PG
Network: History
Cast: Phil Crowley
Genre: Educational
Where to watch: History
This review was written by Sierra Filucci
 
 

Review It

 

Review Dogfights

Hang on! You need to be a member to post your review.
A safe community is important to us. Please observe our guidelines.
 

Most useful reviews by all members

GetReal
adult
 
Must See! Heroes defending our freedom!
I know this show uses computer graphics and does not show dead bodies and blood everywhere when a plane is shot down. That is not the point of the show! These pilots did amazing things and performed bravely in defense of our country. I think it is important that our young people realize that these men were proud of what they did. It is not the role of this show to show the heroic pilots on the enemy side. The enemy that some are so concerned about showing had no problem at all killing our pilots. There is nothing wrong with being proud of how you performed in a life or death combat situation for your country.
Flag as inappropriate 
was this review useful?
helped me decide (2) | had useful details (1) | read my mind (2)
Ghost Rider Sky
kid, 12 years old
7
 
It might be TV-14-LV but its a Very good show. Every one should watch it
Flag as inappropriate 
was this review useful?
helped me decide (1) | had useful details (1) | read my mind (2)
Sharkfit.
parent of 6 and 12 year old
6
 
Show it in school
Very good show! I wish that it was easier to get a hold of.
Flag as inappropriate 
was this review useful?
helped me decide (1) | had useful details (2) | read my mind (1)
ibart9
teen, 14 years old
7
 
This show is pretty entertaining. A little violent, but nothing an eight-year-old can't handle.
Flag as inappropriate 
was this review useful?
helped me decide (2) | had useful details (1) | read my mind (1)
mficl12
teen, 16 years old
 
Awesome show
Me, being into avation, and i know a lot more than the average 12 year old, love this show. So what, planes blow up! It is very cool, and i can't wait for teh 2nd season.
Flag as inappropriate 
was this review useful?
helped me decide (1) | had useful details (1) | read my mind (2)
jackamers8
teen, 18 years old
 
The computer animation is AMAZING!
This show is really really interesting. It tells about old World War II vets all the way to new and still flying aviators and actually features the real people who flew in those planes. Their stories have you hooked to find out what happens. My mom wasn't exactly a fan of military history... until she watched Dogfights. She always comments on the bravery of all the aviators and the stories always seem to be brought up at dinner. Yeah, the occasional "d***" or "h***" comes up, but you hardly ever notice it because you're so focused on the story. The computer animation is amazing as well. The creators made it so realistic all the way from the details of each plane to the reflections off the metal of the planes.
Flag as inappropriate 
was this review useful?
helped me decide (1) | had useful details (1) | read my mind (2)
techwiz234
kid, 13 years old
6
 
Amazing show
amazing show! best computer graphics i have seen! awesome for history and educational purposes!!!
Flag as inappropriate 
was this review useful?
helped me decide (1) | had useful details (1) | read my mind (1)
the_terminator
teen, 14 years old
 
Flag as inappropriate 
was this review useful?
helped me decide (1) | had useful details (1) | read my mind (1)
wondergirl_is_back
teen, 17 years old
 
I lost 60000000000000000000000000000000000000 brain cells watching this
dont wathch this show!
Flag as inappropriate 
was this review useful?
helped me decide (1) | had useful details (1) | read my mind (1)

More reviews ...

An independent voice for families
Age-appropriate reviews
Advice on the big issues
 

vote now

Will you see Dogfights?

Won't miss it
We'll try
Change it

Already seen it? What do you think?

I recommend it
It's a pass
 

Great alternatives handpicked by our editors

Browse more TV
About our rating system
ON: Content is 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
Our child development rating guidelines