Haunted History

Review

Common Sense Media says

Eerie but educational docu looks at ghostly legends.
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.

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

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Parents say

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Kids say

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What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this series -- which looks at historical figures, places, and events and their relationship to hauntings and other creepy phenomena. -- may be too scary for younger and/or more sensitive viewers. Most episodes include reenactments of violent murders and/or tragic accidents, but no real blood is shown. Superstitions and various rituals are discussed, and some reenactments include drinking and and cigarette and cigar smoking.

  • Positive messages0
    Overall, the show is educational, offering insight into the belief systems and rituals of different cultures. That said, many of the stories are steeped in superstition.
  • Positive role models0
    Some stories involve murder and suicide, which are hardly behavior examples for kids. But the featured historians/experts provide educational information.
  • Violence3
    The show features reenactments of violent murders (like people being killed with hatchets), suicides, and accidental deaths (like a child falling to his death), but no blood is shown. Some legends claim that the victims eventually become ghosts and/or that murderers are targeted by phantom beings.
  • Sex0
    Some of the featured ghostly legends note that the "love of a good woman" is what's necessary to help those who haunt move on.
  • Language0
    Not applicable.
  • Consumerism0
    Not applicable.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking2
    Many of the reenactments show historical figures drinking mugs of ale, rum, and brandy. Some reenactments and actual photographs occasionally show historical figures smoking cigars. One legend talks about a ghost that appeared as a ship passenger slit his own neck in a drunken suicide.
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What's the story?

HAUNTED HISTORY looks at historical figures, places, and events that have been connected with ghostly phenomena. With the help of historians and storytellers, the show explores the legends and superstitions surrounding notorious hauntings and supernatural sightings -- from the high seas to famous five-star hotels, with highly stylized reenactments adding o the drama.

Is it any good?

 

Narrated by John Glover,  Haunted History mixes documented facts and cultural legends to create an entertaining look at historical events.  While viewers may not believe the ghostly accounts, the stories told here offer a chance to learn more about different communities and the various legends and superstitions that drive their cultures.

Folks who enjoy or are intrigued by supernatural phenomena will probably like what they find here. Others may just find the whole thing creepy.  But regardless of how you feel about the subject matter, overall the series offers a unique way to talk about history.

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What families can talk about

  • Families can talk about how ghosts and supernatural phenomena are typically treated in the media. Where do these interpretations come from? Are they based on historical legends? Somebody’s imagination?

  • Why do cultures pass down legends and superstitions? Were you raised with any ghost stories or superstitions? Why do you think they were told to you? Was it to teach you specific lessons? To scare you?

  • Do you believe in ghosts?

This review was written by Melissa Camacho

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This review was written by Melissa Camacho
TV rating:TV-PG
Network:History
Genre:Educational
This review was written by Melissa Camacho
 

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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

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