 | 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. |
Untold Stories of the ER
- Discovery Health Channel, TLC
- Genre: Reality TV
Common Sense Media says
Medical reality show's reenactments can be very bloody.
Parents say
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this series -- which features sensational reenactments of interesting and/or strange events that have occurred in hospital ERs across the country -- has lots of images of bloody injuries (knives embedded in chests, acid burns, bullet wounds, and more) and graphic surgical procedures. Dramatizations sometimes feature some bleeped language; nudity is blurred. Alcohol and drug-related injuries are discussed frequently. Overall, the series isn't intended for young children, and sensitive viewers of all ages may also find some of the scenes difficult to watch.
What's the story?
UNTOLD STORIES OF THE ER showcases some of the most interesting, bizarre, and/or frightening stories from hospital emergency rooms around the country. To tell each tale, the show combines narrations by A.V. Kennedy with both first-hand accounts from doctors and re-enactments of key moments. Brief interviews with patients, various hospital staffers, and other witnesses are also included.
Is it any good?
Although each story is based on actual events, Untold Stories of the ER borders on the sensational by featuring actual staff members, patients, and family members re-enacting their experiences in the emergency room. As a result, the performances range from being extremely realistic to badly over acted. Some of the real doctors’ reactions to the incidents they're describing in their interviews seem a little extreme, too.
Younger and/or more sensitive viewers may have a tough time watching the dramatic scenes of bloody wounds and emergency surgeries featured on the show, while others may have a hard time with the stories about patients who die while in treatment. Bottom line? Some folks may find this sort of thing entertaining, but it’s definitely not for the squeamish.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about dramatizations and reality shows. Do you think
that a show that mostly features reenactments is presenting
"reality"? What makes it different from a drama?Why would doctors, patients, and other people be willing to share their stories on television? Do you think that a doctor who tells a story about a patient is violating a patient’s privacy? What are the benefits of sharing stories like these? Disadvantages?
- Show:
- All members
- Parents
- Teens & kids
AGE
13+ ONLY!
This show is one of my newer obsessions. Me loving the ER and wanting to be a doctor, it's natural for me to see this kind of thing. However I definitely think anyone younger than 13 or so would get sick at the gore. I've seen everything from a 2 foot tree branch stuck in a guy's neck to a man who stabbed himself. So those not into blood might be offended. Also some bad role models... most of the patients don't end up dying despite the fact they've made bad decisions such as smoking during pregnancy or taking drugs. (Which are also discusses frequently.) Only recomennded for mature viewers 13+.
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AGE
Mature 9+
Depends on the Kid. My Brother who is 9 can handle blood. So, 9+ who can handle alot of blood.
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AGE
good, educational show, might not be for younger kids.
I have to say that I have watched this show a hundred times and it is not sensationalized for entertainment purposes. There is not overacting or anything like that. It is extremely realistic and actually, the role models are good, the educational value is good for any aspiring doctors, ect. Sure, it can be bloody and gory, but that's what you see in an ER everyday. Younger kids can't see it, but older teens might be able to see it. You know, every child is different. It's different on how each child will handle seeing something like this. It just depends on how your child will react.
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Kid, 11 years old
July 9, 2011
AGE
9
I think its a good show, but might be disturbing to some people.
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AGE
interesting...
I love this show. The stories about how people survive life threatening injuries, conditions, and diseases are really interesting. The reanacments do add a bit more to it to, But at times the bloodyness and realisticness of the reanacments can be a little much....
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| TV rating: | TV-14 |
| Networks: | Discovery Health Channel, TLC |
| Cast: | A.V. Kennedy |
| Genre: | Reality TV |
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