Common Sense Media Review
By Sierra Filucci
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Sci-fi MacGyver solves crimes, searches for self.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
At the beginning of the sci-fi/crime mystery series JOHN DOE, the title character (Australian actor Dominic Purcell) wakes up on an island with no memory of his former life. But he does have an encyclopedic knowledge of the world around him -- which he uses to assist police investigations, solving a crime per episode as he continues his ongoing search to unlock the mystery of his identity. An unusual scar on Doe's arm is the only clue he has to who he was or what happened to him before he woke up on the island, and though he often feels a sense of connection to people he meets, they never seem to recognize him. As the series progressed (it originally ran from 2002-2003 and still airs in syndication), more information about his past emerged.
Is It Any Good?
Doe is a sympathetic character with a gritty sexiness, a bit of wry humor, and a MacGyver-like ability to get himself out of any scrape. His capacity for acquiring knowledge is impressive -- which helps when he needs to escape handcuffs or pilot a helicopter.
Since John Doe is a crime show, it's not surprising episodes involve murder, guns, and violence. In one episode, for example, a rogue ex-cop and his crew take the police station hostage, threatening groups of people with automatic weapons and at one point opening fire and wounding someone. In another scene, the ex-cop strikes his former boss, Jamie Avery (Jayne Brook of Chicago Hope and Boston Legal), across the face, knocking her to the ground. Other episodes include some brutal killings, serial murderers, and even a swimming pool filled with blood. It's not as graphic as CSI, but it's definitely not for little kids.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the ongoing appeal of the science-fiction genre. What makes a TV show or movie "sci-fi"? Is it easier to accept violence in media that already has a basic need for you to suspend your disbelief? Why or why not? What purpose does the violence in this show serve? What messages does it send? Families can also talk about special abilities. Would you enjoy having John's encyclopedic knowledge of the world? Why or why not? What other special ability would you like to have?
TV Details
- Premiere date : September 20, 2002
- Cast : Dominic Purcell , Jayne Brook , Sprague Grayden
- Network : Syfy
- Genre : Science Fiction
- TV rating :
- Last updated : April 5, 2023
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
Suggest an Update
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