The Locator
-
Is it age appropriate?
About our ratings -
Is it any good?
-
Common Sense says
Reality show mixes intense stories with teary reunions.
Why We Rated This
for Ages 14 and Up
The good stuff
What to watch out for
-
Violence:
-
Sex:
-
Language:
-
Consumerism:
-
Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
What Parents Need to Know
This review of The Locator was written by Scout Davidson
Parents need to know that although some of this reality show's participants have back stories that involve drugs, violence, and abuse, the series' overall theme is one of redemption, with participants recognizing the error of their ways and seeking forgiveness from friends and family. Their tales can be intense, but not too much questionable stuff is actually shown on screen.
Families Can Talk About
- Families can talk about the messages this show sends. Are they all positive? Do you find the series at all voyeuristic? If you were getting ready to reunite with a long-lost loved one, would you want cameras there? Why or why not? Families can also discuss what the show teaches viewers about the significance of decisions made at young ages. What ramifications can these choices have? After watching this show, do you see any of the choices you've made in a different light?
More on The Locator
What’s the Story?
Is It Any Good?
THE LOCATOR is as manipulative as all get-out, but it works tremendously well -- you'd have to be pretty hard-hearted to not get at least a little teary-eyed by the end of an episode. The producers do a very good job of establishing who the participants are and why head tracker Dunn cares about them. It could be argued that the show's "search" element is largely glossed over in favor of the "reunion" portion, but the sense of joy, relief, and sometimes fear that these people display when meeting their lost family or friends is palpable -- and impossible to watch casually.
The importance of family to the folks behind the show is obvious. Dunn's mother is one of his research assistants (though the team is mostly kept in the background), and in many episodes he consults with his wife, Katie, about whether or not a particular case is worth his attention -- then listens to her advice and considers it honestly. Dunn's humility and grace are worth noting; they help set The Locator apart from many reality shows. In each episode, once the reunion has begun, Dunn simply exits quietly. There's no grandstanding, no demands for fawning gratitude or undue attention. He just leaves without calling any attention to himself, recognizing that in this moment, it's no longer about him. It's a refreshing and humanizing change of pace.

Become a member and get recommendations from other parents based on your child's age.




