 | 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. |
The Vampire Diaries
Common Sense Media says
Violence and sex are the real draw in teen vampire drama.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that teens will probably want to watch this slickly produced vampire drama. One obvious reason is that it's about high schoolers -- and attractive ones at that. It also plays into the current popularity of all things vampire. But it's edgier than Twilight, and it's not an age-appropriate choice for all teens. For one thing, the subject of underage drinking is presented as something that all teens just sort of "do," without adult knowledge or obvious consequence. There's also kissing and seduction, plus talk of casual sex, along with semi-graphic violence -- although most of the time, it isn't over-the-top gory.
What's the story?
In THE VAMPIRE DIARIES, a teen-centered drama based on the best-selling young adult novels by L.J. Smith, orphaned high-schooler Elena Gilbert (Nina Dobrev) is caught between two drop-dead gorgeous vampire brothers -- the good-hearted Stefan (Paul Wesley) and the sadistic Damon (Ian Somerhalder). Both Elena and Stefan keep track of their thoughts and feelings by writing in their journals, but Stefan's journal also contains fascinating details about his complicated past. Later in the series, the trio is joined by the cunning vampire Katherine (also played by Dobrev), an old enemy who becomes a duplicitous ally.
Is it any good?
For vampire-crazed fans of the Twilight series (both in book and movie form) and the adults-only TV drama True Blood, The Vampire Diaries has just about everything, including teen angst, dramatic tension, and crush-worthy creatures of the night. There are, of course, obvious parallels to the Twilight storyline. But it's worth noting that the book trilogy that inspired this series was originally released in 1991, predating Stephenie Meyer's Twilight bestsellers by nearly 15 years.
Even if you're lukewarm on the current vampire fad, The Vampire Diaries is better-than-average entertainment, boasting a soundtrack that oozes cool (with songs from artists like The Killers and MGMT) and a talented cast that can really get its brood on. The show took off as a hit with teens and young adults...and maybe even a few of their parents.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about the popularity of vampires in the media. Why do audiences -- particularly young adults -- find vampires so appealing? Do you think it's just a fad that will wear out its welcome, or are vampires here to stay?
How does the show portray teen drinking? What do you think the real-life consequences of the behavior that's shown here would be?
If you've read the books that this series is based on, how does the show compare? Did the writers take any creative license? If so, why do you think they changed the story?
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AGE
Not as bad as people make it sound
The thing I don't really like about Common Sense is that they do not update their materials. This show has been out 3 years now and their reviews are based on the first 3 episodes of season 1. This show has gotten remarkably more appropriate. In the first season Jeremy was a drug addict due to the fact his parents died. However by Season 2 he stopped completely. Their was a little sexual content in season 1 but they've toned it down to just kissing, and shirt less men. The only thing their is would be violence. There is and always will be blood and death on this show. But you have to know that kids who are mature enough to know that vampires aren't real can handle this show. I'm always concerned as to what my kids are reading or watching, so I always screen these things. And I believe this show is fine for 13 year olds and up.
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AGE
Best show ever! But some iffy stuff
I absolutley adore Vampire Diaries! I noticed the show at about the 5th episode of the 1st season. My mom knew that I was vampire obssesed so she let me watch it then decided it was inappropriate. Well, a year later, I have become more mature so I had started watching it online. I thought it was amazing! It does have some iffy content. Honestly the violence would be the worst. Of course the traditional stake in the heart. Some hearts are torn out by hand. But it is DEFINITLY not as nasty as that 2nd Indiana Jones movie( which is also amazing). The words are not to bad. I have only heard of 1 usage of the b-word (although i am probably not paying attention). No other bad ones really. The sexual content is not bad at all. Some dialogue, but nothing big. I mean, come on, what 10 year old hasn't seen a movie with at least a little bit of sexual content in it. This show is not to bad, the main one is episode 10- I think. But the worse thing would be the drinking and drugs and smoking. The youngest character, Jeremy, did and is doing drugs and is constantly smoking due to deppression- i think. All characters have done underage drinking in the show in almost every episode. Just make sure that the 21 age minimum for drinking is set with your teens/tweens. About the sexual content, say that it is immoral to have sex w/o being married. Also establish the consequences. Ex. unplanned pregnancy. I would recommend the book " Boys will put you on a Pedstal ( so they can look up your skirt)" for your girls. It expresses what is going on in a guys mind and all about that type of thing. I highly recommend it. I read it when my mom gave it to me when i was about 10, it was amazing. So this show is definitly not to bad. Just make sure that your kids know what not to do. A good message would be perserverence. A lot of teens in this show definitly shoe dedication and perserverence to what they believe in. So curl up on the couch and start watching this show with your kids at least 12 years of age!
BYE!
Everkat.
- katherine
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AGE
Good!
I love it! It's good for tweens and teens. The only thing bad is the language and the violence. Besides that, great dramatic show!
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AGE
this show is a little violent but it is a vampire show so obviously it will be violent but its not unnecessarily so there is some drinking but its usually in moderation which is a good message since most high schoolers do drink and while they do not talk about safe sex on the show they have never mentioned unsafe sex (stuff like "i don't use condom cause it doesn't feel as good" or "the pill makes you get fat") the characters that use drugs are looked down on by the other characters
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AGE
One of my favorite shows. Great storylines, great chemistry. I recommend it to everyone with a lick of maturity. (:
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AGE
good for teens and up!
this is a very good show, but it can be violent, and there are some parts where they show people after sex. but its very teenage appropriate!
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AGE
I love this show! Its addicting but i wouldnt reccommend it for people under 13.
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AGE
This is not tame Twilight, folks.
I started watching this show when it came out, at the end of my Twilight loving phase. I don't remember much, but what I DO remember was because it was so disgusting the images have been burned in my mind (I was 11). The first episode was filled teens drinking (maybe high too, it went right over my if they were) and making out heavily, frolicking through a pitch black forest at night intoxicated, and a little violence if I do remember correctly. My mother agreed to just 1 more episode to decide her final opinion on whether I should watch it or not.
Episode was much much cleaner. But of course, the last 30 seconds were basically disturbing adult video material. And that is why I've never watched the show again, even 2 years after.
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AGE
This show is great
I LOVE THIS SHOW!! It's one of my favorite shows now and I'm starting to read the book. It's violent, of course, and Vicki and Jeremy smoke weed. A little bit of language, also. Heh, if you haven't had "the talk" with your parents then this would also be an issue. But I think its great for mature preteens and teens. TEAM DAMON!!
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| TV rating: | TV-14 |
| Network: | CW |
| Cast: | Ian Somerhalder, Nina Dobrev, Paul Wesley |
| Genre: | Drama |
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