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New Amsterdam (Fox)

common sense media says

Love, crime mix in cop show with immortal twist.

parents & educators say
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What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this crime drama includes all the standard police-show elements, including bloody crime scenes, dead bodies, detailed death reports, tense chase scenes, occasional fights and injuries, and some gunfire. Plus, since it focuses on romance, expect occasional kissing and some passionate bedroom scenes that clearly imply sex (but stop short of showing anything explicit). The main character sometimes drinks and hangs out in a bar; language includes "ass," "hell," and the like.

Positive messages: The main characters are good, smart, just people. Crimes involve deceitful people, and, of course, criminals.
Violence: Crime scenes include dead bodies, blood, and sometimes weapons. Tense chase scenes, some fighting, threatening with a gun, serious injuries, scars.
Sex: The story focuses on finding true love. Some kissing and bedroom scenes in which sex is heavily implied, but it's not shown. Discussion of past loves and affairs. Some murder cases involve sexual elements.
Language: Occasional use of words like "ass" and "hell."
Consumerism: Some products visible in background, like Mac computer and Times Square billboards advertising Marriott, AT&T and more.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Some drinking. The main character had been sober, but he goes off the wagon.
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More on New Amsterdam

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about immortality. Why is the concept of immortality so exciting -- and so frequently the subject of movies and TV shows? What other shows, films, or books have had immortal characters? What would be the best thing about living forever? What would be the worst? What kinds of things would you try to accomplish if you knew you'd live a very, very long time?

What's the story?

What's the story?
NEW AMSTERDAM follows the adventures of handsome New York City detective John Amsterdam (Nikolaj Coster-Waldau), who's been alive since the 17th century but doesn't look a day over 36. After being seriously wounded in battle in the 1600s, his life was saved by a Native American woman who gave him immortality. But it's only temporary; when he meets his true love, he'll age normally and eventually die. While he searches for Ms. Right, Amsterdam lives a life of secrets. As a homicide detective, he solves murders using his extensive historical knowledge -- but he's not just a police officer. Over the course of several centuries, he's also become a talented furniture maker, photographer, tango dancer, and more. He relies on the companionship of his dog and his friend Omar (Stephen Henderson), one of the few people who knows his secret.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 
With some of the same appeal as author Anne Rice's popular vampire stories, New Amsterdam merges several compelling genres: the crime drama, the romance, and the period piece. These elements, along with good acting, directing, and high production values, make this Fox series a winner.

Though some of the show's conceits sound hokey, it has a romantic richness to it that inspires curiosity and creates compelling viewing. With its larger questions of life's meaning and the value of human connections, New Amsterdam goes deeper than a standard cop show.

TV themes & details

TV Details
TV Rating: TV-14
Network: Fox
Cast: Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, Stephen Henderson, Zuleikha Robinson
Genre: Drama
Where to watch: Fox
This review was written by Sierra Filucci
 
 

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What parents & educators say

Most useful reviews by all members

jen29
adult
 
Great!
Fantastic Show. Fans of Moonlight will probably love it.
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E-Rod
adult
 
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davswife
adult
 
Great Show
I can not believe it is being cancelled!!! Everytime a new show gets people hooked, they cut it off. I think the networks should give it a chance and go a full season with the writers to give the viewers an opportunity to find out what a great show it is. Everyone who loves this show should write to Fox and lobby to give it another season!!! The storyline is excellent and I love the fact that the main character is "younger" than his son the bar tender. They have a great chemistry that is demenstrated on the screen. I find it refreshing and enertaining and it keeps me captivated wondering if the doctor "love of Amdsterdam's life" is going to figure out what is going on and what consequences if any will transpire. It reminds me a lot of the Highlander series except the twist is finding true love and becoming mortal, instead of getting your head cut off and finally dying. Becoming mortal via "true love" is much better in my opinion.
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