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Life on Mars (U.S.)

(Rated TV-14, Drama, Starring Harvey Keitel, Jason O'Mara, Gretchen Mol, Where to watch: ABC, DVD, Online)
  • 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

    Intriguing remake of UK time-travel/cop show.

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 15–18

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    In 2008, Sam's precinct is a diverse mix of men, women, African-American, and Caucasian officers. In 1973, it's mostly made up of male Caucasians; women are in a separate (and less high-profile) unit. Attitudes about race, gender, and other social issues in 1973 reflect the thinking of the time.
  • Violence:

    Lots of guns; shots are often fired. Lt. Hunt believes in "roughing up" witnesses, alleged criminals, and even fellow officers. Lots of punching, pushing, and shoving. Scenes show car accidents and people jumping through windows. Bloody clothing is sometimes visible. References to violent sexual behavior and serial killers.
  • Sex:

    Characters exhibit the sexist attitudes and behavior that were prevalent in the 1970s. Words like "gams" are used to describe women's legs. Some scenes show adults are kissing in bed, but characters are fully dressed.
  • Language:

    Language includes occasional use of words like "ass" and "hell."
  • Consumerism:

    In the 2008 scenes, an Apple iPod is clearly visible. Lots of visual references to classic 1970s shows like Kojak and Starsky & Hutch. Also features lots of tunes from the early '70s, including David Bowie's song "Life on Mars" and songs by The Sweet, Led Zeppelin, The Rolling Stones, and others.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Lots of references to drinking and being drunk; police officers and detectives are shown drinking scotch and other liquor. Cigarette smoking also visible, as was typical in the early '70s.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Life on Mars (U.S.)

Parents need to know that this crime series (a remake of a same-named British show) features behavior that would be considered very "un-PC" today but was socially acceptable in the 1970s -- including plenty of sexism and racism, as well as cigarette smoking and drinking. There's also lots of violence, ranging from gunfire to detectives assaulting alleged criminals, uncooperative witnesses, and, on occasion, fellow police officers. While the language is relatively mild, words like "ass" are occasionally heard.

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Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about how and why social attitudes change over time. What role does the media play in changing those attitudes? How have attitudes about women, race, and other issues changed since the 1970s? Why? Families can also discuss remakes of TV shows from other countries. What determines whether a show that started out in another country will succeed in the United States? What details do you think producers include for American audiences that they wouldn't need to include in their original countries?

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Most Recent Reviews

  1. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in California
    I rate this title on for age 13 and give it 5.0

    Intriguing and funny

    I really enjoy watching this show because it involves topics and ideas that would seem completely ludicrous now, but were acceptable in the times, which makes you think about how the world and society are changing. I like how the overall story has arched up to this point and am glad each episode does a bit to incorporate it while adding depth to the characters and tying up loose ends, just to add others. Some of the language can be a bit strong for younger viewers, but the concept and execution of the story are great!

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