 | 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. |
Torchwood
- BBC America
- Genre: Science Fiction
Common Sense Media says
British sci-fi series offers intense alien action.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this British science-fiction series from some of the creators of the latest iteration of Doctor Who is intense and bloody enough to make it iffy for younger and/or sensitive viewers. Some of the alien characters are menacing in appearance, and their violent attacks on people can be graphic (in one scene, for example, a man is bitten in the neck, and blood gushes from the wound). Bloody murder victims are also shown at crime scenes. Expect plenty of strong language ("s--t," "hell," and even "f --k"), too.
What's the story?
British sci-fi series TORCHWOOD follows the adventures of a top-secret team of investigators who capture aliens and use their technology to solve crime. When her crime scene is taken over by a mysterious group, police officer Gwen Cooper (Eve Myles) is suspicious. Following fragmented leads, she witnesses another violent murder before stumbling upon the headquarters of the Torchwood Institute. There she meets team lead Captain Jack Harness (John Barrowman), who explains Torchwood's purpose: to capture the hundreds of alien creatures who slip through a rift of space and time into the city and to use their scavenged technology against them. Gwen's offers to work as a liaison between the police force and Torchwood. Then, when a vacancy surfaces on the team, she joins the top-secret group in the hopes that Torchwood's resources will help solve the city's crimes.
Is it any good?
Created by Russell T. Davies, whose credits also include the latest version of Doctor Who (from which this series was spun off), Torchwood is a suspenseful, action-packed thrill ride for sci-fi fans. The series is well cast and written and raises -- albeit on a conversational, rather than scientific, level -- the possibility of extraterrestrial life.
There's a lot to enjoy about this intense show, but there are plenty of red flags for parents, too. Violence is prevalent and often bloody, language is very strong ("f--k" is a popular choice, as are "s--t" and "hell"), and the invisible line between fantasy and reality may be difficult to decipher for youngsters.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about the appeal of science fiction. What draws people to this genre? What's the fascination of aliens and cool gizmos? Does sci-fi work as well on TV as it does on the big screen? Why or why not? Families can also discuss extraterrestrial life. Do you believe in aliens? Why or why not? How would life change if it was proved they existed? Could our society handle something like that?
- Show:
- All members
- Parents
- Teens & kids
AGE
Unimpressed
I downloaded the episodes as they were premiering in the UK, at the recommendation of a friend. I was expecting something akin to Doctor Who, with slightly more mature themes. To be totally honest, I was rather shocked by how much more 'mature' the themes were. There's much sexual references, (the second episode being about an alien who feeds off of 'orgasmic energy,' with pretty graphic sex scenes and all) and the amount of nasty gore.
The male lead is bisexual, and a very blatant one at that, if you have issues with such things, then this show is DEFINITELY not for your teenagers. There is much casual homosexual/bisexual behaviour occurring throughout the series.
As a teenager myself, I only had the stomach to get through about the fifth episode before I had no desire to watch any more of it.
If your child enjoys this show, I would recommend they go back to it's family-friendly predecessor Doctor Who. There's a reason it's been airing since the early '60s.
I found nothing redeeming about the entire show, the plots were relatively simple and not very thought-provoking, generally, I had them figured out about 20 minutes into it.
This show is basically Doctor Who's sexed-up, stupefied cousin with acne.
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AGE
Torchwood is Pure Awesomeness!
I am a huge fan of Doctor Who, and Jack always intrigued me, so when I found out that there was a spin off with him as the main character, I knew that I had to watch it. It's about the Torchwood institute, which was formed by Queen Victoria to protect the earth against aliens and trap the Doctor if he ever comes back to earth. Now, centuries later, in the 51st century, it is run by Capt. Jack Harkness. There is some sexual content, including men kissing, but I didn't really find it that offensive. I was raised to tolerate people from all walks of life, but if homosexuality is something that offends you, this probably isn't the show for you. However, if you don't mind that and you can stomach a bit of gore, Torchwood is excellent. I rated it on for 14, but any mature twelve year old could probably handle it.
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AGE
Not for children at all
I'm 19 years old and I haven't seen every episode (I've seen most) but this show is not for kids. When I say it's not for kids, I say that strongly, it really is NOT for ANY children. I found myself disgusted with what I saw in the first two seasons. Now, the third season, the mini series Children of Earth was fantastic and really was toned down so, for that, I think I'd be okay with someone 15 or older seeing it. But it can get disturbing on many levels. The only reason I watched it is because I'm a huge Doctor Who fan. So my review is split. I think the first two seasons should be avoided (there are maybe two or three episodes that aren't too questionable, "Adam" being an example) but if you're interested in a really good sci fi drama, Children of Earth is phenomenal. You may turn your head away when Jack's body pieces itself back together and it does get very disturbing in the end, plot wise, but it's mature. Like I said, don't show this to your kids.
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AGE
Good show but not for everyone
I will admit that show is not for YOUNG children but once they can understand everything that is going on in the show it really shouldn't a problem. Oh by the way when you put 17 as iffy you have to keep something in mind, that it is only one year till they are 18 and go rent the DVD themselves. Okay now if you wondering why i put good role models when the show has sex, drugs and so on. It is simple, no matter what (not including Jack) they are willing to give their live up to save the world. I know corny but still people need lay off this show.
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AGE
For mature audiences
The show is pretty violent which is why it is rated MA15+ in Australia (basically R in America). It can sometimes be a bit spooky.
There is a LOT of sexual content that is not for younger viewers.
Sex scenes, kissing and lots of talk about it. It is not in every episode though.
Beware! It is much mature and adult in nature and darker than Doctor Who. Parents, take note of this!
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AGE
Keep your childrens eyes on the Doctor
When I read reviews from kids who repeatedly mention that the characters have sex, I'm apt to believe that there is far too much sexual content in this series for children and teens. The violence is also a tad much for them as well. The focus of the fans isn't on the plot or character development as it should be, but on Captain Harkness' sexuality and how many explosions there are. I find that disheartening and it turns me away from the show entirely. Also, the sex scenes are far too intense for young viewers. There are moments of blood spurting from a man's neck as he is being bitten, revived corpses, and foul language.
If you wish to introduce your children to a great sci-fi series, stick to the Doctor. It not only is appropriate for all age types, but it actually gets them interested in history a little. Torchwood is hardly anything like it's predecessor.
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AGE
Doctor Who fan or not, you will want to check this show out. It has great plot lines, it's extremely interesting, sexy, and fun. If you're expecting a more action-packed Doctor Who, you may be a bit disappointed. The Doctor may make an appearance or two, because the show is closely tied to Doctor Who, but for a person that isn't a Doctor Who watcher, it can be viewed as a standalone show. However, for Doctor Who fans that are fans of Captain Jack, this will be perfect for you. The sex in the show isn't mild, but not too explicit. Anyway, I wouldn't let my 12 year old watch it. Think of it as a mature PG-13. The main character is bisexual, and homosexual activity and sexual activity towards aliens is treated as normal because of the society they live in (it's the 51st century). The point of the show is to move past prejudices and stereotypes, however, if you still aren't comfortable with it, this is IS NOT for you. The violence can be bloody and a bit disturbing, but nothing worse an PG-13 movie. Also, the language can be a bit bad, using words like f--k and s--t, but if you're okay with that, it's barely noticeable. Just make sure your kids aren't too young to hear it.There's some drinking, but nothing abnormally bad.
Despite it all, Torchwood is a quality show and something that you should definitely watch.
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AGE
Good for adults, but not for children or teens
I like the show myself, but I would never let my children watch it.(8,13)
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AGE
A much more mature version of Dr. Who
In some episodes, there is quite a lot of swearing and slightly inappropriate sex scenes, but nothing too serious. Most of the time, it is very suitable for any teens+.
I think the show is excellent, although it is very different to Dr. Who. Nice to see a similar idea aimed at a different audience though. Definitely worth watching!
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AGE
Honestly its a fine tv show but its cuh-reepy!
Honestly, the show is fine but yesterday i watched the cyber-woman and barely got any sleep! There are many episodes, in fact the second one is about a sex-addicted alien. (Joy.) It's often violet and just down-right cuh-reepy!
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| TV rating: | TV-14 |
| Network: | BBC America |
| Cast: | Eve Myles, John Barrowman, Naoko Mori |
| Genre: | Science Fiction |
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