Parents' Guide to

Death Valley

By Melissa Camacho, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 16+

MTV spoof series mixes humor, horror, and sexual content.

TV MTV Comedy 2011
Death Valley Poster Image

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What's the Story?

DEATH VALLEY is a scripted series that follows the fictitious LAPD's Undead Task Force as they struggle to control the vampires, werewolves, and zombies that are trying to take over the San Fernando Valley. Captain Frank Dashell (Bryan Callen) and his team -- Officers Joe Stubeck (Charlie Sanders), Billy Pierce (Bryce Johnson), Carla Rinaldi (Tania Raymonde), and John Johnson (Texas Battle) -- chase the undead and eliminate them if necessary. Also joining the fight is rookie officer Kirsten Landry (Caity Lotz). As the law-enforcement team bravely protects the public from these terrifying beings, a local TV crew follows their every move, hoping to show viewers what it takes to fight the undead in Southern California.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say Not yet rated
Kids say (1 ):

This series dresses up its simple (and somewhat silly) plot line with slapstick humor and lots of blood and gore. It also pokes fun at reality law-enforcement shows like COPS by featuring scenes that look and feel like the real-life police chases and drive-alongs featured in these programs, but with a comic twist.

It's pretty funny, but it also has lots of violent moments, many of which include the use of guns, clubs, and other weapons. Severed body parts and other gruesome details are also standard fare. This, combined with some sexually explicit content and salty language, makes it a show best left for older teens.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the horror genre. What makes horror TV shows/films entertaining? Is it the blood and gore? The suspense and fear they try to create? Do horror films/shows have to be violent to be scary?

  • What's the effect of combining violence with comedy? Does it desensitize viewers? Does it change its significance? How do you feel after you watch violent shows?

  • What are some of the best horror films/TV shows of all time?

TV Details

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