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Life on Mars

(Rated TV-14, Drama, Starring John Simm, Philip Glenister, Liz White, Where to watch: BBC America, DVD)

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 15, age appropriate for kids over 18; suggested age 15.

  • Is it any good?

    4.0

  • Common Sense says

    High-concept British crime drama; teens and up.

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 15–18

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    Because it's a crime show, the series deals with lots of unsavory actions and people, including corrupt cops who rough up suspects to get answers and plant evidence to frame people. Because it's set in the '70s, there's a distinct lack of political correctness -- minorities are mocked, and sexual harassment is standard.

  • Violence:

    Autopsy photos; a man is hit by a car; police rough up a suspect. Lots of gritty, crime-related violence, but usually not terribly graphic.

  • Sex:

    The cops make sexist jokes.

  • Language:

    "Screw," "bloody hell," other British slang.

  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Social drinking and smoking.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Life on Mars

Parents need to know that the detectives in this British crime procedural often use unorthodox methods to solve their cases, including roughing up suspects and accusing people even if they don't have enough evidence. Their actions fuel some of each episode's more violent, gritty scenes. In addition, the '70s setting opens the door for some decidedly un-PC humor and behavior, including sexism.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about the differences between life today and in the '70s. What's changed? What hasn't? Why is behavior that was acceptable then no longer OK today? How do you think you'd cope without the things you take for granted? What advances in technology do we depend on today that weren't available then? Before fingerprinting and computers existed, how did police do their jobs? How can advances in areas like forensic science help ensure that the right person is caught?
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Most Recent Reviews

  1. Adult Reviewer
    ravvie
    Lives in Missouri
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 4.0

    Really good!

    I do like this show; it's really intriguing and pulls you right in. Probably not best for younger kids; you may want to send them to bed. All in all, well done show and very good.

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
    Flag as inappropriate

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