• Is it age appropriate?

  About our ratings

  (Flash is loading. If this text does not disappear you need to install the latest flash version)

  Not age appropriate for kids under 8, age appropriate for kids over 11; suggested age 12.

• Is it any good?

  3.0

• Common Sense says

  Close look at a tough, dangerous job is interesting for all.

Why We Rated This for Ages 12 and Up

The good stuff

• Messages:

  The series doesn't shy away from depicting the fact that people can seem insignificant when compared to vast, limitless power of the sea. The humans sit at the top of the food pyramid here, and the swordfish, sharks, tuna, and other fish are no match for the determined fishermen. But when a storm comes, or engine trouble leaves a boat adrift, it’s clear how little control people have over the environment. The show doesn't address the controversy over possible overfishing of swordfish.
• Role models:

  The featured swordfishermen work hard and generally seem to enjoy their career choice. They can be a bit rough around the edges, but they generally mean well and have a strong camaraderie.

What to watch out for

• Violence:

  The people on this show are often in danger due to their very risky profession. Frequent images of enormous swordfish being hauled aboard ship, sometimes bloody and always resisting. The crews sometimes land sharks as well, which try to snap at any nearby arms and legs.
• Sex:

  Not an issue.
• Language:

  Some words are bleeped.
• Consumerism:

  Frequent mentions of The Perfect Storm, a nonfiction book that was later made into a movie about swordfishermen from the same region who were killed during a huge storm in 1991.
• Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

  Some of the sailors smoke.

What Parents Need to Know

About Swords: Life on the Line

Families Can Talk About