Parents' Guide to

Mystery Diagnosis

By Sierra Filucci, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 12+

Patients search for answers to vexing questions.

Mystery Diagnosis Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

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

Community Reviews

age 15+

Based on 1 parent review

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

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?)

TV Details

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