Parents' Guide to

New Amsterdam

By Sierra Filucci, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 16+

Love, crime mix in cop show with immortal twist.

TV Fox Drama 2008
New Amsterdam Poster Image

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What's the Story?

NEW AMSTERDAM follows the adventures of handsome New York City detective John Amsterdam (Nikolaj Coster-Waldau), who's been alive since the 17th century but doesn't look a day over 36. After being seriously wounded in battle in the 1600s, his life was saved by a Native American woman who gave him immortality. But it's only temporary; when he meets his true love, he'll age normally and eventually die. While he searches for Ms. Right, Amsterdam lives a life of secrets. As a homicide detective, he solves murders using his extensive historical knowledge -- but he's not just a police officer. Over the course of several centuries, he's also become a talented furniture maker, photographer, tango dancer, and more. He relies on the companionship of his dog and his friend Omar (Stephen Henderson), one of the few people who knows his secret.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: Not yet rated
Kids say: Not yet rated

With some of the same appeal as author Anne Rice's popular vampire stories, New Amsterdam merges several compelling genres: the crime drama, the romance, and the period piece. These elements, along with good acting, directing, and high production values, make this Fox series a winner.

Though some of the show's conceits sound hokey, it has a romantic richness to it that inspires curiosity and creates compelling viewing. With its larger questions of life's meaning and the value of human connections, New Amsterdam goes deeper than a standard cop show.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about immortality. Why is the concept of immortality so exciting -- and so frequently the subject of movies and TV shows? What other shows, films, or books have had immortal characters? What would be the best thing about living forever? What would be the worst? What kinds of things would you try to accomplish if you knew you'd live a very, very long time?

TV Details

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