Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.
Suggest an Update
A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this TV show.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that this sometimes-creepy sci-fi drama includes explicit violence, and the entire concept -- aliens are taking over human bodies -- can be somewhat unnerving. Once they've been changed by the invaders, some characters have uncontrollable murderous urges and no sense of right and wrong.
Community Reviews
There aren't any reviews yet. Be the first to review this title.
What's the Story?
When a hurricane devastates South Florida, several of the residents of Homestead, a sleepy town on the edge of the Everglades, survive the storm but are inexplicably changed -- they look the same as before, but something is clearly off, and few can explain why. The apparent head of the conspiracy, Sheriff Tom Underlay (William Fichtner), doesn't seem to know too much about the plan. Park Ranger Russell Varon (Eddie Cibrian) is also trying to uncover the mystery, with help from his pregnant wife Larkin (Lisa Sheridan), an investigative reporter, and her brother Dave (Tyler Labine), a conspiracy nut who finally seems to have gotten one right and is freaked out by his discovery. He was eager to make sure that his wife Mariel (Kari Matchett) was transformed, yet just as careful to protect his teenage daughter Kira (Alexis Dziena) from going through the same experience. Underlay and Varon are closely linked -- Mariel is Russell's ex-wife and mother to their two children, teenage Jesse (Evan Peters) and the much-younger Rose (Ariel Gade).
Is It Any Good?
Though the main characters are all adults, several important plot threads focus on how their transformation has affected the three children. Younger fans will be able to relate to the idea of seeing dramatic changes in their world, filtered through the lens of their family. The show also shows Jesse and Kira making important, and very adult, decisions on their own, with both positive and negative consequences -- just as most teens do.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about what it means to be human, and where our identity as individuals lies. Are you really different if you have all your memories and all your emotions in a new body that looks just like the old one?
TV Details
- Premiere date: September 21, 2005
- Cast: Eddie Cibrian, Kari Matchett
- Network: ABC
- Genre: Science Fiction
- TV rating: TV-14
- Last updated: February 11, 2023
Our Editors Recommend
-
Surface
Mysterious but somewhat scary sci-fi thriller.
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate