 | 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. |
Unsolved Mysteries
- Lifetime Real Women
- Genre: Reality TV
Common Sense Media says
Reenactments of real-life mysteries can be creepy.
Parents say
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this series' entire focus is on unsolved crimes and other incidents. Many stories describe illegal -- and often violent -- behavior, while other episodes deal with missing persons and supposed supernatural phenomena. Reenactments sometimes include guns, gunfire, and visible blood. While these images aren't as graphic as what you'll find in similar contemporary shows, the show's sporadic violence and frequent creepiness are probably enough to give most parents pause.
What's the story?
UNSOLVED MYSTERIES highlights unresolved crimes and strange occurrences in hopes that the public will help shed light on them and bring closure to those involved. Hosted by Robert Stack (Airplane!), the series -- which originally ran from 1987-2002 and still airs in syndication -- features stories about violent crimes, bank robberies, missing persons, unexplained phenomena, UFO abductions, ghostly sightings -- any incident that left law enforcement officials and private investigators scratching their heads, unable to stamp "case closed" on their paperwork. Each story is told using reenactments as well as file photos and interviews with people involved in the case -- including law enforcement officials, crime victims, witnesses, and people searching for loved ones. After detailing the case, Unsolved Mysteries urges viewers to call or write in with any information they may have that could help solve these real-life mysteries. And the approach seems to work: To date, the show has used viewer-provided leads to help solve more than 300 cases.
Is it any good?
Now noticeably dated, the series lacks the flashiness of contemporary crime-solving reality shows. While some of the recreated events feature guns, people getting shot, and images of bloody items allegedly used in a crime, these scenes are mild compared to the graphic crime images on television today. For some, that might detract from the entertainment value -- but at least the sanitized version of events allows the viewer to focus on the details of the case rather than being shocked by them.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about the media's relationship with crime. Is there a rush to report sensational stories before all the facts are evident? What effect can TV coverage have on how justice is carried out? Is it the media's job to get involved in solving crimes like the ones featured on this show? When is it appropriate to ask the public to help find clues to a crime? How do you think law enforcement officials follow up on the leads generated by the show? Do you think the reenactments are necessary, or do they serve merely to titillate the audience?
- Show:
- All members
- Parents
- Teens & kids
AGE
Unsolved Mysteries can be very disturbing.
Can be very disturbing especially when they share what is usually found on some of the "bad guys" computers. Everything from child pornography, to abuse to women. The show also goes into detail on the missing persons especially if they are young teenage girls who go into prostitution, drugs, and strip to make money. All of which is inappropriate or too much information for young kids to have to learn about.
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
Interesting show, but can creep u out!
I see this mostly on ghosts because I am interested in them, and now I believe in ghosts. So, this is a very good show! :)
Was this review useful?
|
|
Kid, 11 years old
August 15, 2010
AGE
Good, But Sometimes scary
I love unsolved mysteries! although it is sometimes extremely scary.
Was this review useful?
|
|
Kid, 11 years old
April 20, 2010
AGE
Pretty Ok
its Cool, But Some Scenes Are Scary
Was this review useful?
|
|
| TV rating: | TV-PG |
| Network: | Lifetime Real Women |
| Cast: | Robert Stack |
| Genre: | Reality TV |
Review It
Great alternatives handpicked by our editors
Already seen it? What do you think?
More from Common Sense Media
Top advice and articles
