Buffy the Vampire Slayer

TV review by Paul Trandahl, Common Sense Media
Buffy the Vampire Slayer Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 13+

Teen vampire series has female role model; sex, violence.

FX Science Fiction 1997
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Parents say

age 12+

Based on 46 reviews

Kids say

age 12+

Based on 144 reviews

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A Lot or a Little?

The parents' guide to what's in this TV show.

Stands out for and .

What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that while even grade-schoolers may be drawn to the high school setting, humor, and fun horror movie aspects of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, this hugely popular vampire series' dark, mature themes aren't a good fit for younger kids. Violence increases in intensity over the seasons, with characters frequently being killed, and main characters are involved in sexual acts and scenarios. There's drinking, smoking, and allusion to drugs, as well as occasional language including "ass," "piss," and "bitch" and slurs like "spaz" and "slut." Adult themes also include abusive relationships, the loss of loved ones, and the portrayal of depression (though it's left unnamed). The series encourages female empowerment, mentoring, and teamwork. There are positive LGBTQ+ role models and storylines, but racial diversity is sorely lacking, and Black characters are portrayed stereotypically. The show is best for teens and adults, who will appreciate the multilayered story and the Romeo and Juliet subtext of some of the episodes.

Community Reviews

slayer165
slayer165 Adult
September 20, 2015
age 14+

Buffy seasons 1-6 Review

Hey Guys! I'm going to split my review up into the individual seasons to do with content and will try avoid spoilers Season 1: Season one is the most tame to do with Sex and Violence no sex and no references and the language is tame. Although people associate it with a lot of violence when vampires are killed they burst into dust no blood. This season is probably the worst to do with the rest of the show and only Episodes 1,2,7,12 are key to the rest of the show but still 3.5/5 ages 10+ Season 2: This season stepped up a notch to do with Sex, Buffy loses her virginity in this season nothing is shown but the results are catastrophic but the violence is tame. Over all besides some monster of the week episodes this season is one of the best well done and great drama everything is better this season 4.7/5. ages 11+ Season 3: Once again since Buffy is in high school not much Sex, drugs or anything not much violence but Faith is quite a bad role model. the season is overall great goofy tones are ditched and a more serious approach is placed in. One of the best very enjoyable 4.8/5 11+ Season 4: This season is filled with sex scenes some very graphic some quite tame. This season does have some scary episodes for younger viewers but is quite funny as well. This season is good but not amazing some of the stand alone episodes are better than the over arcing plot but very fun 4.1/5 12+ Season 5: This season is very intense and is sad more than anything and its ending and middle will leave you heart broken as for violence its a bit more violent and the tones are much more serious after some deaths. No sex but just intense tones. This season is amazing probably the best season its dramatic, romantic funny and scary and everything it promises to be absolutely perfect 5/5 12+ Season 6: Season 6 is absolutely filled to the brim with sex scenes all extremely graphic with attempted rape and graphic violence its very depressing as well and is extremely dark. This is probably my favorite season its very well shot and written every episode has a meaning and it think many people will enjoy it 5/5 14+ Season 7: Season 7 is dark and violent but has many themes of empowerment and self worth . No sex but plenty of sexual references and a very mature season not recommended for younger kids 4.6/5 13+

This title has:

Great messages
Great role models
Too much violence
Too much sex
8 people found this helpful.
A Kelly
A Kelly Adult
November 8, 2021
age 18+

Campy fun that misses moral potential

I enjoyed the first season. However, as the "make-out" sessions in season 2 became more protracted, I found it both tedious and worrisome. Was the showing lacking more creative ways to fill the time, or was it selling soft porn to impressionable teenage girls? I suspect the latter. 17 year old Buffy (played by a 21 year old Gellar) gives her virginity away, -- a very poor example to young girls. I am disappointed that common sense parents can be so dismissive, especially considering the character is a minor. I don't find Buffy strong or compelling.

This title has:

Too much sex
2 people found this helpful.
See all 46 parent reviews

What's the Story?

In BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER, teenager Buffy (Sarah Michelle Gellar) must balance her day-to-day high school life with her responsibility as a vampire slayer. Working with her mentor Giles (Anthony Stewart Head) and her gang of friends, including Willow (Alyson Hannigan) and Xander (Nicholas Brendon), Buffy must protect the California town of Sunnydale from all manner of dark forces that emerge from the Hellmouth lurking beneath.

Is It Any Good?

This teen hit, widely considered one of the best TV shows of all time, made a huge impact on the primetime landscape when it first aired in 1997. Though the special effects in ​​Buffy the Vampire Slayer certainly look dated a few decades on, the show's energy and the sparky performances still make it a hugely enjoyable watch. Gellar is likable, sympathetic, and relatable in the iconic role that was one of few strong female leads on television at the time. Balancing teen angst with action-packed fights and often comically bizarre foes, the show is the perfect mix of fun and humor and increasingly mature issues as the seasons go on. While forward-thinking in its portrayal of gender roles and LGBTQ+ characters at the time, the show's lack of racial and cultural awareness would be immediately called out today. Though Buffy the Vampire Slayer is by no means educational, characters place a great deal of importance on integrity, working as a team, and learning to sacrifice for the greater good -- timeless themes that will continue to resonate for decades more.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about how Buffy deals with the pressure of her "calling" in Buffy the Vampire Slayer. How do teens deal with the pressures they face every day? Can you draw any parallels between Buffy's life and high school experience in the real world?

  • The show's characters place a great deal of importance on integrity, courage, working as a team, and learning to sacrifice for the greater good. Why are these important character strengths, and how do you apply these values in your own life?

  • Families may also want to discuss the series' sexual content and some of the complex issues that arise around having sex in the show.

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