 | 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. |
Primeval
- BBC America
- Genre: Science Fiction
Common Sense Media says
Dinosaur action show comes up short on thrills.
Parents say
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that some of the dinosaurs in this sci-fi series are hungry, mean, and very scary. Watching a massive beast chasing people -- especially young people -- could be frightening for kids. The show makes some efforts to be accurate, showing creatures that actually existed millions of years ago and sometimes having the characters deliver thumbnail lectures about the dinos' habits and characteristics. But the science definitely takes a back seat to the action, and the show isn't really an educational experience.
What's the story?
When dinosaurs suddenly begin appearing in a British forest, evolutionary zoologist Nick Cutter (Douglas Henshall) comes up with two theories: first, that there's some kind of space-time rift permitting the beasts to travel from the past, and second, that his wife, Helen -- who's been missing and presumed dead for eight years -- is still alive and might have something to do with the situation. He decides the only way to find out is to travel through the twinkly "anomaly" to look for her. As more creatures appear, terrorizing local residents, Cutter and a team of scientists -- including his capable assistant Stephen (James Murray) and reptile expert Abby (Hannah Spearritt) -- must track down the beasts and either help guide them back to their own era or step aside and let the military destroy them.
Is it any good?
PRIMEVAL strives for accuracy, showing actual creatures that existed in prehistoric eras and letting the scientists show off their detailed understanding of the beasts' behavior to predict how they might behave in modern England.
But the science is overshadowed by the action, and on that front the show is fairly standard. Monsters appear suddenly, seem to briefly pose a danger, and are then handled efficiently by a crack team of experts. The ongoing mystery of Helen Cutter's disappearance is more satisfying to ponder, but in the end may not pose enough intrigue to offset the rather plodding dino-action set pieces.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about the enduring popularity of dinosaurs. Do you think the dinosaurs in this show act realistically? What do you think of the way the government handles the situation here? How do you think the authorities should act if such monsters are running loose? How would you react if you encountered an actual dinosaur? Why are these creatures used in so many TV shows and movies? Dinosaurs are often popular with kids; do you think a show like this is trying to reach a young audience? Why or why not?
- Show:
- All members
- Parents
- Teens & kids
AGE
A good series for tweens and teens; not younger kids.
I have no idea how or why I ever decided to watch this series. I really like it, but I am torn over whether it is my age. What I will say is that no one under 10 should watch it consistantly. I do think it is entertaining, the reason for my 4 stars, but I probably should never have seen it in the first place.
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
A Personal Favorite, But Not For Everyone
This series is awesome in my mind, but it sort of reaches for a narrow audience. For people who love dinosaurs and want to watch an intensely accurate documentary-type series about them, Primeval doesn't quite cut it; as it's mentioned earlier, the series focuses more on action than science--though it does provide a diversity of fairly accurate facts. Also, the series lacks a solid overall story. While every individual episode provides great entertainment and a good plot, the series arcs could use a lot more substance. As far as content goes, I think this series is best viewed by audiences13+. This show features a lot of people dying. While little blood is shown, the deaths are often violent and disturbing. The monsters featured could be considered very frightening to younger kids, and while no sex has been shown directly, references are by the characters throughout the series.
Was this review useful?
|
|
Kid, 12 years old
May 20, 2011
AGE
Dinosaur
I like dinosaurs and I like this show but if your expecting jurassic park your are sadly mistaken.
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
this show is just ok
this show is just ok but doctor who is way better!!!!!
Was this review useful?
|
|
Kid, 12 years old
August 21, 2010
AGE
ok
the dinosaurs are really realistic, but almost every episode has the same storyline
Was this review useful?
|
|
| Topics: | dinosaurs |
| TV rating: | TV-PG |
| Network: | BBC America |
| Cast: | Douglas Henshall, Hannah Spearritt, James Murray |
| Genre: | Science Fiction |
Review It
Great alternatives handpicked by our editors
Already seen it? What do you think?
More from Common Sense Media
Top advice and articles
