Lost
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The parents' guide to what's in this TV show.
What parents need to know
Parents need to know Lost is a complex action/sci-fi drama includes many startling, sometimes violent sequences -- starting with the chilling airplane crash that kicks off the first episode (and is revisited more than once). Other potentially upsetting scenes include injuries, fatalities, kidnappings, shootings, and fights. Important characters are threatened and sometimes killed. Characters are shown drinking (particularly in flashback sequences), and one character is a heroin addict. There's kissing and some sexual activity, though nothing too sensitive is shown. Most of the characters have dark secrets in their past, including murder.
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User Reviews
- Parents say
- Kids say
great series to watch as a family
Anyone who is mature can watch.
What's the story?
LOST is what happens when you take a couple of handfuls of survivors -- some family, mostly strangers -- crash them onto an island with a traumatic plane wreck, and give them little sign of hope, a mystery in the jungle, and no sign of rescue. Then add a pinch of Gilligan's Island, a smidge of Survivor, a sprinkle of grown-up Goonies, a dab of 24, and a generous serving of originality to taste. Each episode adds a building block to the mystery surrounding the survivors. Viewers are slowly introduced to each character's past via flashbacks to what led them onto the fictitious Oceanic Airlines Flight 815 -- and, eventually, to the island. Slowly, viewers discover that the characters' fate was no accident, and there are connections between the remaining passengers.
Is it any good?
The show's interlocking puzzle of characters, secrets, and endless discoveries make for an enticing family drama. Lost could be considered the TV version of a board game. There are compelling questions left at the end of each episode and vast amounts of room for interpretation. The blend of mystery and drama in Lost is enthralling and tends to overshadow the violence that occurs along the way.
Talk to your kids about ...
Families can talk about death and disaster, which are prominent themes in Lost. Is the show optimistic or pessimistic? Are the characters intended to be role models?
Talk about the idea of fate, which plays a pivotal role on the show. Do you believe everything happens for a reason?
The mystery of the island and the embedded clues are a big part of the show, and sharing theories about the happenings on the show can be a fun way for teens and parents to share the viewing experience.
How do the characters on Lost demonstrate courage and teamwork? Why are those important character strengths?
TV details
- Premiere date: September 22, 2004
- Cast: Dominic Monaghan, Evangeline Lilly, Matthew Fox
- Network: ABC
- Genre: Drama
- Character Strengths: Courage, Teamwork
- TV rating: TV-14
- Available on: DVD, Streaming
- Awards: Emmy, Golden Globe
Character Strengths
Find more TV shows that help kids build character.
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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.