 | 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. |
Lost Tapes
- Animal Planet
- Genre: Reality TV
Common Sense Media says
Violent, scary "true stories" aren't for young kids, tweens.
Parents say
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this intense series -- which uses fictitious video footage of violent encounters with cryptozoological creatures like werewolves to imply that they really exist -- definitely isn’t for young kids or tweens. The content is suspenseful and may be disturbing even for sensitive older viewers. Victims are shown bloodied and battered from supposed run-ins with the creatures; some exchanges even end in death -- which isn’t shown but is discussed in detail by the narrator. There's also some sporadic cursing (“hell” and “damn,” mostly).
What's the story?
Vampires, werewolves, and swamp creatures: They’re the stuff of nightmares, but could they possibly be real? While science says no, eyewitnesses claim otherwise, and LOST TAPES is a collection of video footage inspired by the stories people have told about their encounters with such creatures. Each episode centers on “mockumentary” clips that show or imply the violent clashes; the fictitious tales are then juxtaposed with brief real-life accounts, photos, and other evidence from actual witnesses in a subseries called “Lost Tapes: Revelations.”
Is it any good?
Simultaneously scintillating and bone-chilling, this intense series beckons to thrill-seekers and (yes, even though it’s totally fake) may be too much for anyone with a low tolerance for fright. It’s true that the subpar acting is a dead giveaway of the show’s real nature, but that doesn’t automatically erase every shred of uncertainty when it comes to some people’s fears of things that go bump in the night. What’s more, each episode includes some data -- including photos, video, and brief eyewitness accounts -- that raise legitimate questions about the possibility of mysterious creatures.
As for families, this series is a classic example of a parental judgment call. The ambiguity between fact and fiction, the lasting images of violence, and the implications of death rule it out for kids and tweens, but if your teens can handle some goosebumpy thrills and aren’t prone to nightmares, they’ll probably be fine.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about the message this show sends about the reliability of the media. How much of what we see on TV is believable? How can the media skew our perception of celebrities, politicians, and other leaders?
How do scientists go about proving or disproving theories? What steps
must they take to gather and analyze evidence? What evidence exists for
or against some of the creatures discussed in this show?Did you like this series? Was the concept new to you? What, if any, of the content had an educational aspect?
- Show:
- All members
- Parents
- Teens & kids
AGE
Depends on the Viewer
Well, I never did believe that these stories were real, but man, they use a lot of suspense and it can be real scary for a younger kid. I watched the bigfoot episode a few years back, and I was cowering the whole time.
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AGE
Really good!
This show is definatly not for kids, but good for tweens and teens. Lots of violence and scary images,but thats kind of what the show is trying to have.For people who like horror, a definate must!
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Kid, 12 years old
November 16, 2009
AGE
I have heard about this and wow! The description was nothing like it! blood and guts and gore are a huge problem, I am not kidding! This is not for kids or tweens! Trust me, I saw it and I am ten!
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AGE
Soooooooooooo scary
Soooooooooooo scary I have to watch this in broad daylight or I will have to sleep with my light on
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Kid, 11 years old
November 28, 2011
AGE
Fake!
Very bad show! It is so corny!
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AGE
Dumb. Just dumb.
After watching this during a trip to the hospital, I never watched it again. It's dreadful, disturbing, and annoying all in one. The "footage" is obviously fake because they use some of the same actors over and over again. Although it may be slightly informative, I hardly see any educational value. It's just a bunch of violence and gore. Too me, it's more like a horror show. A cheesy horror show. Try MonsterQuest instead.
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AGE
No Sugar!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
laugh and no sugar during or after viewing of the show.
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AGE
Good for tweens
Good show but it is a little scary sometimes
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AGE
Perfect for 9+
This is one of the best TV shows. Yes, there is swearing and blood, but most of the time you can tell its fake. I believe this stuff didi happen, just its re-enactments. My little sister and her best friend (8 and 9) love this show, and like me, laugh at the gore.
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AGE
scary
I watched this when I was 12 and I was shaking in fear when I saw deathworm...but I've seen other clips of others and i reliezed these weren't actually real tapes so then you can just laugh at it I guess
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| TV rating: | TV-14 |
| Network: | Animal Planet |
| Genre: | Reality TV |
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