Parents' Guide to

Lost in Space

By Melissa Camacho, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 8+

Sci-fi classic is dated and hokey but still entertains.

TV Hulu Drama 1965
Lost in Space Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this TV show.

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age 12+

Based on 2 parent reviews

Bryan H.
Bryan H. Adult
April 15, 2018
age 18+

Terrible.

Don’t ever watch this and waste a second of your time.
Lowe's man
Lowe's man Adult
January 19, 2014
age 6+

fascinating

Younger children might be upset or traumatized by the cliffhanger endings, particularly if something terrible has happened to them. Having said that, this show is brighter in both tone and outlook than many of today's science fiction shows, especially given the bright colors, and with more dialogue too. The dialogue actually makes the pace of the show, at least in some ways, faster than many of today's science fiction shows. The locales are fascinating as well. And the visuals, as well as the special effects, while dated, are actually superior to some of what's done today. I would recommend this show very highly.
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What's the Story?

The classic cult series LOST IN SPACE (1965-1968) features a volunteer group of space travelers who find themselves lost after a space trip designed to help the Earth relieve its population problem goes awry. On Oct. 16, 1997, a volunteer American family, made up of married scientists Dr. John Robinson (Guy Williams) and Dr. Maureen Robinson (June Lockhart), and their children, Judy (Marta Kristen), Penny (Angela Cartwright), and Will (Bill Mumy), board Jupiter 2 for a five and a half year flight to the Alpha Centauri system in order to colonize the system's third planet. Along for the ride is their pilot, Major Don West (Mark Goddard), and a life sized environmental control robot. But thanks to the traitorous efforts of Dr. Zachary Smith (Jonathan Harris), an enemy agent, the trip is sabotaged. The hopelessly lost crew, along with Dr. Smith, must fight to survive while looking for a way home.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (2 ):
Kids say (1 ):

Lost in Space, which is a modern-take of The Swiss Family Robinson, made its appearance on American television during the beginnings of the country's space program. While much of its futuristic technology and pioneering efforts are rooted in the science fiction tradition (and perhaps some wishful thinking), the overall show reflects the country's fascination with space travel at the time.

It's a bit slower than more contemporary science fiction series, and the special effects are a pretty hokey compared to today's sophisticated computer graphics. But the stories are entertaining, and appeal to viewers of all ages. No doubt that diehard science fiction fans will definitely appreciate the homage it makes to space travel, and to those who believe in life beyond Earth, too.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about space and space travel. Over the years TV shows and films have offered various interpretations of the future of space travel. What are some of the similarities between classic science fiction TV and movies and science fiction today?

  • Are any of the early futuristic inventions or activities from past movies and shows a reality today? Is there any technology you'd like to see from today's science fiction shows be developed for every day use?

TV Details

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