Common Sense Media Review
By Jenny Nixon
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Legendary suspense series is a classic for a reason.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 12+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Alfred Hitchcock Presents
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
ALFRED HITCHCOCK PRESENTS is an Emmy-winning series from acclaimed director Alfred Hitchcock that ran for ten seasons, beginning in 1955. Each episode is a standalone tale of suspense and mystery, often wrapping up with a twist ending of some kind. The eponymous producer, creator, and on-screen host kicks off each episode with a monologue delivered with his trademark dry wit, then comes back after the story wraps up to tie up any loose ends. The series screened in black-and-white and featured writing and directing from such storied names as Ray Bradbury, Ida Lupino, Robert Bloch, and William Friedkin.
Is It Any Good?
Getting a modern kid to give this show a chance might initially take some effort, but their patience will be rewarded with masterful storytelling and suspense-building. With 260+ episodes in its coffers, there's a story here for everyone, and the moral lessons many of them impart make excellent conversation topics. Parents may also get a kick out of seeing big-time stars like Clint Eastwood, Cloris Leachman, Vincent Price, Steve McQueen, and Bette Davis pop up, sometimes in the same episode. After watching just a handful of episodes, it should be easy for viewers to understand why Alfred Hitchcock Presents has had such a lasting impact on pop culture and filmmaking.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the way Alfred Hitchcock Presents tells a story with violent elements and the way shows today do it. Are graphic depictions of brutality always necessary to convey horror and suspense?
The show's creator and host introduces each episode, then closes them with commentary on what we've just seen. What purpose do you think his remarks serve? How do they add to your enjoyment of the story?
Can you think of any shows, films, or directors that seem influenced by the storytelling style employed by Alfred Hitchcock Presents? Name some examples.
TV Details
- Premiere date : October 2, 1955
- Cast : Barbara Bel Geddes , Walter Matthau , Jessica Tandy , Cloris Leachman , Robert Loggia , Leslie Nielsen
- Network : Peacock
- Genre : Drama
- TV rating :
- Last updated : October 3, 2023
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