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Shockwave

(Rated TV-PG, Reality TV, Where to watch: History, DVD)

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 9, age appropriate for kids over 12; suggested age 12.

  • Is it any good?

    3.0

  • Common Sense says

    Real-life disaster tales are too intense for young kids.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 12 and Up

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    The series focuses on catastrophic disasters -- albeit in an analytical way.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence:

    Real-life video footage and photographs show violent disasters like vehicular accidents, explosions, and structural collapses. Visuals of injuries and blood are rare, but witnesses and victims recount in detail the traumas they endured, and in at least one segment, a body is shown being carried from the scene.

  • Sex:

    Not an issue.

  • Language:

    Not an issue.

  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Not an issue.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Shockwave

Parents need to know that this series replays video footage of catastrophic -- and in some cases, fatal -- events like bridge collapses, stunt mishaps, and hostage situations, giving viewers a front-row seat for real-life drama and raw human emotion. Victims share detailed tales of physical and mental trauma. In other words, it's too intense for kids, and some teens and adults may find it difficult to watch even when they know how the story will turn out.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about survival skills. What techniques do you know that could be used in the case of an accident? Are you familiar with basic CPR and first aid? Have you ever been involved in a life-threatening situation? What did you do? How did you feel? How can preparedness affect the outcome of a dangerous event? What, if anything, did you learn from this show? Do series like this one intend to teach viewers anything or just entertain?
Tools and tips that can help

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