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Moonlight

(Rated TV-14, Drama, Starring Sophia Myles, Alex O'Loughlin, Jason Dohring, Where to watch: CBS, DVD)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 15, age appropriate for kids over 99; suggested age 15.
  • Is it any good?

    2.0
  • Common Sense says

    Bloody vampire detective saga lacks dramatic bite.

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 15–18

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    Most vampires -- though not main character Mick -- seem to consider themselves superior to ordinary people and have no problem looking humans as little more than a source of nutrition. They scorn Mick for his insistence on treating people like equals. Beth, a reporter, lies to people when pursuing stories.
  • Violence:

    A few fistfights, which are somewhat lopsided when of the combatants is a vampire with super strength. Several gory scenes feature mangled, bloody bodies drained of blood.
  • Sex:

    No sex or nudity, but a few scenes feature suggestive acts of blood-sucking. One of Mick's vampire pals keeps his house full of attractive women who seem to be hoping to be turned into vampires themselves, but for now are treated as little more than playthings.
  • Language:

    Words include "damn," "hell," "bastard," etc.
  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Little consumption of drugs or alcohol, but several scenes show vampires drinking glasses of blood, which is treated much like a glass of fine wine.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Moonlight

Parents need to know that this series both glorifies and downplays the more unpleasant side of the vampire lifestyle. Several gory scenes show mangled, bloody bodies, but main character Mick is often shown drinking blood from a glass -- he prefers not to hunt humans, instead getting his fix from a friend at the morgue. Mick's vampire friend Josef (who's often surrounded by women yearning to be turned into vampires, who seem content to be treated as both playthings and snacks) has no such compunctions and openly taunts Mick for his scruples. But overall the show gives little attention to Mick's need to repress his vampire nature, which could have been an interesting internal conflict.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about the enduring appeal of vampire tales. How do TV shows and movies usually tend to portray them? What changes does this show make to traditional vampire mythology? How does that change the way the characters live their undead lives? Do you like the changes? Why or why not? How does this show compare to the many other films and TV shows that revolve around vampires?

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Our Members Say

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See all 9 member reviews

Most Recent Reviews

  1. Teen Reviewer Age 15
    Lives in Oklahoma
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 5.0

    i LOVE this show!!

    it sucks that its not coming back though.

  2. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Pennsylvania
    I rate this title on for age 11 and give it 5.0

    Love It!

  3. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Massachusetts
    I rate this title on for age 17 and give it 5.0

    I am OBSESSED!

    The series is great, it follows two main people Mick St. John and Beth Turner. Mic is a vampire whom never wanted to be and Beth is a girl whom he is starting to have feelings for. We watch the relationship grow as the two constantly meet up when Beth is writing news articles while Mic is doing his private eye work. Great, btw I do not care for Josh.

  4. Teen Reviewer Age 13
    Lives in Pennsylvania
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 5.0

    after ghost whisper drama

  5. Teen Reviewer Age 14
    Lives in Nebraska
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 5.0

    It's good why woulden't you watch it?

    I am a Moonlight freck I watch this show every Friday night I know all the charector's by heart so if you don't watch this show start now. You know you want to know what the Life of a Vampire is like in L.A. don't you it's on ABC every Friday ant 8:00.

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