 | 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. |
Haven
- Syfy
- Genre: Science Fiction
Common Sense Media says
X-Files meets Twin Peaks in unoriginal but fun show.
Parents say
Kids say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this sci-fi series based on Stephen King's novella The Colorado Kid is eerie and full of supernatural mystery, but not particularly violent. Law enforcement agents do carry and sometimes draw their guns, but they rarely use them. And characters die under mysterious circumstances, but their bodies are shown only briefly. Sex and swearing are mild ("ass" is about as strong as the language gets), and drinking and drug use aren't at issue. The main character is a gutsy female role model.
What's the story?
FBI agent Audrey Parker (Emily Rose) is sent to HAVEN, Maine, to investigate a mysterious death; once there, she uncovers even more mysteries. Strange things happen in this seemingly peaceful fishing town -- things that appear to violate the laws of nature and physics. And there’s more: Parker, an orphan, finds that a local legend about an unsolved killing years earlier may be a clue to her own background.
Is it any good?
There’s little original in this X-Files-esque show about a hotshot agent who finds herself immersed in strange events that defy explanation and is determined to get to the bottom of things. It’s a tried-and-true formula, but it’s so common because it usually works. The dialogue is snappy, and Parker has an easy chemistry with both Nathan (Lucas Bryant), the local cop she teams up with, and Duke (Eric Balfour), Haven’s surprisingly urbane ne’er-do-well.
But this kind of show lives and dies not by the acting, but by the plot -- and that means the writers could face a tough task coming up with more and more mysteries in this small town. In The X-Files, the agents could travel the world to investigate weirdness, but Haven's structure means that Parker is stuck in Haven. The whole point of a show like Haven is the barely believable mysteries, so limiting it to a single small town could make it hard for the show to stay within the realm of even semi-plausibility.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about the supernatural. Do you think the mysterious things that happen in Haven could happen in real life? Do you think there are hidden forces at work?
Why do you think there are so many shows about people investigating unexplainable supernatural events? Do viewers want to believe in the supernatural?
What's scarier -- violent scenes or eerie ones? Why?
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- Teens & kids
AGE
Haven
I love this show because it's full of mystery and drama. Little bits of Audrey's past are revealed every episode, making you want to watch more. This show is creative and creepy, but genius.
This show is ok for some eleven year olds if they are mature and don't scare easily
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AGE
New style intrigue and mystery!
I set my reminder a week in advance so as not to miss Haven. You won't leave your seat, it is intriging, and the stars are fresh and appealing. Lot's of fun to watch! Don't miss an episode!
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AGE
Awesomely engaging series, some scary parts
Stumbled upon Haven shortly after the series premiered and I'm in love with it. It's actually very different from the Stephen King novel that inspired it, but nonetheless it's a great show.
The only caution I'd have is that there are some violent parts including scary scenes and character deaths, but there is no gore present. There is also some very minor swearing like h**l, d**n and s.o.b., but other than that, the role models are engaging and positive, and demonstrate perseverance and teamwork. I'd recommend it on for anyone 13 and up.
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| TV rating: | NR |
| Network: | Syfy |
| Cast: | Emily Rose, Eric Balfour, Lucas Bryant |
| Genre: | Science Fiction |
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