Common Sense Media Review
By Sierra Filucci
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Quirky drama mixes murder, fantasy, romance.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Pushing Daisies
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 9 parent reviews
Based on 13 kid reviews
Kids say this show elicits strong opinions, with many praising its originality, humor, and engaging characters, while others find it excessively disturbing and inappropriate for younger viewers. The mixed reactions suggest that, although it offers clever narratives and a unique blend of comedy and fantasy, the graphic content and dark themes may alienate some potential fans.
- original concept
- strong opinions
- humor and fantasy
- graphic content
- inappropriate for kids
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
Fun, fanciful murder mystery series PUSHING DAISIES has a unique premise. The protagonist, mild-mannered Ned (Lee Pace), has the ability to bring dead things back to life. He uses his talent to his benefit as a pie maker; his fruit is always at the peak of its life and flavor. And he also uses it to solve murders, bringing victims back to life momentarily so that they can say who killed them. Along with business partner/private investigator Emerson Cod (Chi McBride), Ned is assisted by his first love, Charlotte "Chuck" Charles (Anna Friel). Chuck is alive, thanks to Ned, despite being murdered on a cruise ship while smuggling sculpted monkeys -- he brought her back to life, and now he can't touch her again or she'll be dead for good.
Is It Any Good?
If it all sounds a little strange, it is. But strange in a wonderful, playful, circus-like way that involves lots of primary colors, dancing clay figurines, and a shop in the middle of the city that's shaped like a pastry and called The Pie Hole. With quick, witty writing and spry comedic acting, this unconventional blend of crime show, romance, and fantasy takes viewers for a whirl.
Violent scenes in Pushing Daisies can be extreme, but they're played for laughs in high-camp style: A murderer suffocates his victims with plastic bags bearing a big yellow happy face, for example, or a shotgun blast blows a man straight through the circular window in the upstairs of a quaint Victorian. With both romance and dead bodies flying around, this isn't the best choice for kids, but teens should fare fine, especially given the lighthearted tone that informs both the good and the bad.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about what type of show this is. Is it a crime drama? A fantasy? A romance? Can you think of other TV shows and movies that mix genres to create a unique style? How does the show's humor impact the effect of the murders and other violent acts? Does it make them seem less serious? Is that good or bad? Why? Families can also discuss Ned's dilemma. Is he doing the right thing by briefly reviving dead people to solve their murders (and profit himself)? What about his decision to keep Chuck alive -- was that the right thing to do? What would you do with Ned's powers?
TV Details
- Premiere date : October 3, 2007
- Cast : Anna Friel , Chi McBride , Lee Pace
- Network : ABC
- Genre : Drama
- Character Strengths : Compassion
- TV rating :
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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