Parents' Guide to

Mystery Diagnosis

By Sierra Filucci, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 12+

Patients search for answers to vexing questions.

TV Discovery Channel, Discovery Health Channel Reality TV 2005
Mystery Diagnosis Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

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

Community Reviews

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age 15+

Based on 1 parent review

CommonSenseChristian
CommonSenseChristian Adult
December 31, 2012
age 15+

Diagnosis: Proceed, with Background Knowledge First

This show helped me somewhat conquer my fear of the medical profession and serious illness, and it could help others, too. For the most part, the patients come out okay, and have learned to be their own advocates. Dedicated members of the medical profession are also highlighted. That said, this show is not for children or preteens by any means. Descriptions of illness can be scary for that age group and may plant a seed of worry that innocuous symptoms will always turn into trips to the hospital and near-death experiences. Some scenes show medical machines, blood draws, and other frightening images, and some patients, while they have survived, do have visible disabling affects. (This is a good way for parents to discuss empathetic response to disability, but may also instill fear in young kids). Also, this show could cause younger kids to lose faith that their doctors usually are able to diagnose or treat them properly. As a final note, out of frustration, some guests will indulge in profanity (d---, s---) occasionally when telling their stories. Watch only if you are an adult who enjoys good medical drama.

This title has:

Too much swearing
See all 1 parent review

What's the Story?

Documentary-style series MYSTERY DIAGNOSIS tells the stories of families' struggles with undiagnosed illnesses. Through one-on-one interviews with patients, family members, and health professionals -- as well as home video, photos, and brief re-enactments -- tales of painful, vexing, and emotionally draining medical problems emerge. For example, one episode told the story of adopted twin Joey, who ate more vigorously than his brother, often vomited, cried and woke constantly, and eventually stopped growing. Despite many pediatrician visits, the boys' parents never received any helpful explanations for their son's mysterious symptoms. But finally, after seeing yet another pediatrician and consulting specialists, the family learns that Joey has a rare kidney problem that's affecting his body's ability to retain nutrients and also causing his excess thirst, urination, cravings for salt, and light sensitivity.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (1):
Kids say (8):

With each story told as an unfolding mystery and accompanied by emotionally charged issues of life and death, Mystery Diagnosis is compelling -- if not original -- television. While it's rated TV-G, sensitive kids may find the threat of painful illness and/or eventual death too much to bear. (One featured patient stokes potential anxiety by asking: How many people are walking around out there with an undiagnosed illness?)

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about doctors. How are doctors typically portrayed on TV and in other media? Does that match how they're shown on this show? In general, what do you think of doctors and the health care system? What kind of expectations do you have for them? Other than doctors, who or what helps you stay healthy? What can you do to feel in control of their health?

TV Details

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.

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