Common Sense Media Review
By Emily Ashby
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
British sci-fi series offers intense alien action.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Torchwood
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 20 parent reviews
Parents say that this TV show is highly engaging and well-crafted, but it is not suitable for children or younger teens due to its mature themes, including graphic violence, sexual content, and strong language. While some viewers appreciate the deeper storytelling and character development compared to its predecessor, many strongly advise against watching it as a family, indicating certain episodes contain particularly disturbing material that might not be appropriate for younger audiences.
- mature themes
- graphic violence
- sexual content
- strong language
- not family-friendly
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 55 kid reviews
Kids say the show is a captivating spin-off that attracts a dedicated fanbase, particularly among older teens and adults, due to its mature themes including violence, sexual content, and complex character dynamics. While some viewers express concern over its graphic scenes and language, many appreciate the positive representation of LGBTQ+ relationships and strong character development, suggesting it's better suited for viewers aged 14 and up.
- mature themes
- strong characters
- graphic content
- positive representation
- viewer discretion
Summarized with AI
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.
Talk to Your Kids 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?
TV Details
- Premiere date : September 8, 2007
- Cast : Eve Myles , John Barrowman , Naoko Mori
- Network : BBC America
- Genre : Science Fiction
- TV rating :
- Last updated : March 18, 2026
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