| 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. |
Parents need to know that this dramatic medical series focuses on organ transplants. The message is decidedly pro-organ donation, but it does explore some of the reasons why people do not donate. Potential donors are shown losing their lives (guns and bloody wounds are sometimes shown). Many of the surgical scenes are extremely graphic (blood, human tissue and organs are clearly visible). Strong words like “ass” and “hell” are audible. It also contains references to illegal drug use. Groups affiliated with organ donation, including the Angel Network, are mentioned. The overall show may be overwhelming to younger and/or more sensitive viewers.
THREE RIVERS stars Alex O'Loughlin as Andy Yablonski, Three Rivers Hospital’s most talented, dedicated organ transplant surgeon. He leads an expert team of medical professionals, including high-strung but talented Dr. Miranda Foster (Katherine Moennig), womanizing surgical resident Dr. David Lee (Daniel Henney), reporter-turned-transplant coordinator Ryan Abott (Christopher J. Hanke), and operating assistant Pam Acosta (Justina Machado). Overseeing it all is Dr. Sophia Jordon (Alfre Woodard), the no-nonsense head of surgery. Together the team races against time to find compatible donors and navigate their way through both medical politics and any resistance from donors' loved ones in order to deliver and successfully transplant the organs they need to save their patients.
Three Rivers explores how organs go from donor to recipient, showing some of the red tape that medical professionals must cut through in order to successfully harvest, deliver, and transplant organs in time to save people’s lives. It also explores some of the fears that people have about donating their loved ones' organs -- like eliminating the donor’s chance of survival or violating personal and/or religious beliefs.
While some of the doctors' unique personalities and private issues surface throughout the show, most of its entertainment value comes from the never-ending professional and personal dilemmas associated with transplant surgery. As a result, some viewers may find it a little too distressing to watch. Others may have difficulty with its decidedly pro-organ donation message. But for medical drama enthusiasts, Three Rivers will be sure to please.
Families can talk about how this show compares to other medical dramas. Does the organ donation focus set it apart? Is it as violent/intense as similar shows?
What are some of the reasons the show offers in support of organ donation? What are some of the arguments against it? Why do some cultures and/or religions ban organ donation?
Where can people get more information about organ donation?
| TV rating: | TV-PG |
| Network: | CBS |
| Cast: | Alex O'Loughlin, Daniel Henney, Katherine Moennig |
| Genre: | Drama |