 | 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 Walking Dead
Common Sense Media says
Grim, sluggish zombie drama is artful -- but awfully bloody.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this horror-drama hybrid contains vividly violent action sequences involving blood, guns, and half-eaten corpses, among other stomach-turning visuals. There's also some unbleeped swearing ("s--t"), but those words are rare.
What's the story?
In the wake of a global pandemic, a small band of survivors makes its way across the country to find a safe, new home -- away from the dangers of THE WALKING DEAD. The group includes an injured sheriff's deputy (Andrew Lincoln) who wakes up in an abandoned hospital, only to find the facility crawling with flesh-eating "walkers" (that's slang for zombies) and half-eaten corpses. But in time, he joins forces with a single father (Lennie James) and his young son (Adrian Kali Turner), and sets out to find his own missing wife (Sarah Wayne Callies) and boy (Chandler Riggs). The show is based on a comic book series of the same name created by writer Robert Kirkman and artist Tony Moore.
Is it any good?
No pun intended, but, for most viewers, this AMC drama about flesh-eating zombies will be an acquired taste. Because even if you don't mind watching a swarm of the undead descend upon a mounted horse, knock it and its rider to the ground, and feast upon the writhing animal's entrails, you're asked to endure a surprising amount of drawn-out silences in between the series' admittedly grim action sequences.
That's not to say The Walking Dead is too gross to watch, or unworthy of praise for its acting and art direction. (British actor Lincoln, in particular -- perhaps best known to Americans for his small role as a pining Romeo in Love Actually -- is impressive as the Southern-drawling hero.) But compared with AMC's critical smash Mad Men, at least, it lacks a certain snap and stylish appeal that could be integral to winning over a significant audience.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about the recent rise of zombies in popular culture (for example, with horror-comedies like Shaun of the Dead and Zombieland). What's the appeal? Do you think a serious drama like this one -- which purposefully lacks laughs -- will attract the same type of audience?
When it comes to violent content on television, does the show cross the line? Would the show still be gripping if it were any less gory?
Zombies aside, how realistic is the series' depiction of human nature? If the world were to suffer a true global pandemic, would the survivors band together in an attempt to preserve humanity, or would they continue to battle each other for control of what's left?
- Show:
- All members
- Parents
- Teens & kids
AGE
Perfect for everyone
Great Show, My kids could learn a lot from this. My 8 Year old john wants to be like Rick Grimes. So cute
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
The Walking Dead
This show delivers an intelligent, well made storyline that the viewers will be drawn right into. This show is intensely gorey and has swearing when the characters are in peril. I would not recommend this show to anyone under the age of 13, but would highly recommend it to those who love zombie-based shows/movies.
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
A show about zombies. Dreams do come true. I love that they make the show almost a much about the people as about the zombies. And they obviously have GREAT make-up people! HA. I recommend this to anyone who has ever seen a zombie movie or has even thought about a zombie apocolypse.
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
Great for kids who know the differance between fiction and reality.
I personally love this show.it haas some good role models. It is fine for 13yr old s and very mature 12yr olds. Kids these days are going to watch violent shows anyway so it is not a really big issue. Anyways, the show is about zombies, if you kids is mature enough to know the differance between reality and fiction then it is fine.
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
A very entertaining treat for zombie fans
I personally love zombie movies, etc. I was also looking forward to this show ever since I saw the trailer a few months ago. It didn't disappoint. The show has the perfect blend of action, drama, suspense, and lots of emotion to make it good for zombie or drama fans.
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
Perfect for teens and adults. Not tweens.
I think this show is amazing! But too graphic for tweens.
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
Depressing, but absoultely amazing,
This TV show is highly addictive (at least for me), and is done well by a very talented director, Frank Darabont, director of The Green Mile and The Shawshank Redemption (both of which are my favourite movies). However, this show gives off very depressing feelings whilst you grow care for the characters, and it is hard to see some of them die. Fantastic show!
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
Huge fan of The Walking Dead
Great TV show. I love it. It's not just a show about killing zombies. The characters are well developed and most of them are good role models. I started watching it because it was filmed in my city (Atlanta) and I really loved the plot. I usually HATE zombie, vampire, far-fetched sci-fi shows, but this one is great. HIGHLY RECOMMEND! The only thing that isn't appropriate for kids is VERY STRONG violence (Hitting zombies with axes, decomposing bodies, gruesome scenes of death) and some strong language. Theres only one sexual scene at the beginning of one of the episodes but you can't see anything, its just implied. Anyone 15 and up will be fine. I LOVE THIS SHOW!
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
It disturbs me, but it's good.
I just saw the first episode, and I can tell you that it has a good story, it sticks in your head, and it's gory. Just my kind of thing! However, although some of the zombies weren't that bad, others were just plain disgusting/disturbing/creepy! But somehow, I like the show. Now I'm forced to watch all the other disturbing episodes! Why?!
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
Love "The Walking Dead"
I'm very picky about what I watch and I love this show. As an adult, it doesn't scare me of course but I would not allow my children to watch it. My daughter is 13 and she gets scared from the commercials so I really think that it's too gory for anyone under 16 and could cause nightmares. For adults however, it's a very well written show. The acting is very good and when the episode is over it leaves you wanting more!!!
Was this review useful?
|
|
| TV rating: | TV-14 |
| Network: | AMC |
| Cast: | Andrew Lincoln, Jon Bernthal, Laurie Holden |
| Genre: | Drama |
Review It
Great alternatives handpicked by our editors
Already seen it? What do you think?
More from Common Sense Media
Top advice and articles
