 | 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. |
Kyle XY
- ABC Family
- Genre: Drama
Common Sense Media says
Teen savant tackles the mysteries of his past.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this show is riddled with questionable teenage behavior, including underage drinking, sexual exploration, and blatant disobedience. Most of this behavior from the two main teen characters goes without any repercussion, as the dad seems to ignore it and the psychologist mom is too engrossed in her patients' issues to notice those of her kids. But the series does provide an insightful view of social disorders and highlights how society often misinterprets a variety of disorders as mental incapacities.
What's the story?
KYLE XY is the story of a 16-year-old unidentified boy who is found wandering naked in the woods and sent to a detention center. The mysterious "Kyle" (Matt Dallas) doesn't speak or seem to comprehend language, exhibits no instincts or emotions, and has no belly button. Psychologist Nicole Trager (Marguerite MacIntyre) takes Kyle into her home where he begins to make progress, learning to communicate by mimicking. While he knows nothing of his past or how to function in society, Kyles exhibits a savant-like brilliance. He eventually adapts to family life and earns the compassion of Nicole's husband, Stephen (Bruce Thomas), and her kids, Lori (April Matson) and Josh (Jean-Luc Bilodeau). As his language skills improve, anxious Kyle asks Nicole who he is. Unable to answer him, she vows to help him unlock his past. Perhaps in the process, she can also figure out the identity of the mysterious man who, unbeknownst to them, is stalking Kyle and the Tragers.
Is it any good?
Kyle XY's premise is intriguing, but viewers may find aspects disruptive to the overall mood. While Kyle apparently can't understand what's said to him, his voice-over narration shares his very intuitive thoughts. It's difficult to reconcile his perpetually bewildered expression with his ability to formulate thoughts and questions in response to people's actions. Plus, the speed with which he learns to communicate in full sentences (within a few days of being found) seems unrealistic, leaving the show feeling a bit far-fetched.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about how people respond to those with mental and social disorders. When you encounter someone who's delayed, how do you react? Do you try to communicate with them, or do you simply walk away, frustrated that you don't know how? Parents also can discuss discipline with their teens. What can parents do to enforce their rules without hurting their relationships with their kids?
- Show:
- All members
- Parents
- Teens & kids
AGE
Great for teens and tweens accompanied by discussion
Firstly, I want to state that Kyle XY is the greatest TV show I have ever seen. The characters are great and the plot just blows my mind away. This is accompanied by a wonderful script that is alternatly funny and profound.
That being said, Kyle XY does have a lot of questionable adult material. A main character tries pot for an episode. Teenagers run around having sex and drinking with almost no repercussions (no one even gets pregnant - that's a first for a TV show!) and no parental punishment save for the occasional non-effective grounding. It is very important that parents impress upon their kids how NOT OKAY that is in real life. My parents have taken what I feel is a good approach towards this kind of thing; I am allowed to watch shows/movies with questionable teen behavior, but after watching, we discuss how I would act in the situations presented. Instead of being awkward, this helps me keep my head out of modern media's teen fantasy. If your kid can handle discussions like this without rolling their eyes or checking their watch (or running to a party in a miniskirt and too much makeup), then absolutly show Kyle XY to them. It has wonderful role models, positive messages about friendship, loyalty, and trust, and a perfect balance of Kyle's personal life with his epic boy-hero saving the world stuff. If your kid seems to emulate the less acceptable parts of the show, you might want to hold off. This is a show for the reasonable, mature, responsible teenager.
For adults, watch it. Absolutely. Even if you can't show it to your kid, watch it. It is absolutely amazing. I cannot stress that enough.
For girls who actually care about it: Many cute male cast members.
Srry just had to throw that in. XD
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AGE
a little inappropriate
The plot was interesting, almost addicting. But I personally decided not to watch any more, because the sexual content was inappropriate
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AGE
It's really great!
Okay, so first off I am in love with this show! The actors are amazing, especially Matt Dallas (plays Kyle), the plot is terrific and never, ever gets boring! It depends on the maturity level of the kid watching it. I watch it with my 10 year old bro and he seemed fine. So it depends on the kid.
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AGE
Parents be aware!
Caution! First two episodes lulled us into complacency! Third episode had scenes depicting the following - teen girl impressed with erection, teen boy discussing solution to erection and handing over what is obviously a porno magazine, underage kids hiding alcohol and discussing how to find it and drink it, teen girl vomiting after drinking too much, teen girl talking teen boy into skinny dipping, then getting caught, teen girl taking condoms to party with intent of losing virginity, scene of boy and girl emerging from bushes after virginity is lost, girl dissapointed when she finds out virginity taken out of pity. And more, I just don't remember it all right now.
The premise of the show is great, but I don't want to normalize this behavior for my 10 and 11 year old.
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AGE
I cried and is good show I m fan
I love the show I think is good show and difrent like others is going to be great show and KYLE is very CUTE AND HOT I recomend this show give 10 stars
best show ever all pepole out there watch the show you are going to love it
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April 9, 2008
AGE
i cried when kyle said "what am i? u dont know..?"
omg omg omg!! this show is awesomely addicting!! i love it love it love it!! its funny and it has a great cast. i do think that the kids are a little too snobby but their teenagers so i guess its ok....this show would be a whole lot better if kyle got a little puppy!!! it would be sooo adorable!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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AGE
Iffy for 13+
This is a great show, but it definitely contains some intense sequences, language, and s**ual content.
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AGE
LOVE IT!
I wish this show never ended! Its was halfway through the third season and just stopped I think thats cruelty to all of humanity!
But I still love it! Ans Matt Dallas is really cute!
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AGE
e
I think this is a pretty good show, but kids watching should be 11 or 12+
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AGE
Excellent Sci-Fi Drama Includes Questionable Issues
This is a truly original and unique drama about a boy trying to figure out his past, and where he came from. It will keep you entertained, and will have you hooked from the beginning. But there are plenty of questionable issues tackled in this program. It deals with some tough issues such as premarital sex, erection, masturbation, and skinnidipping. Most of these topics are covered within one episode ("Diving In") but they are discussed, and that should be a warning to parent's of younger children.
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| TV rating: | TV-14 |
| Network: | ABC Family |
| Cast: | April Matson, Marguerite MacIntyre, Matt Dallas |
| Genre: | Drama |
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