Common Sense Media Review
By Melissa Camacho
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Drinking and heart in often-intense Hawaii lifeguard drama.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Rescue: HI-Surf
What's the Story?
RESCUE: HI-SURF is a drama series featuring a group of dedicated lifeguards stationed at the Hawaiian surfing mecca known as the North Shore of O'ahu. Captain Harlan "Sonny" Jennings (Robbie Magasiva) heads up a group of lifeguards who are responsible for watching over what is known as "The Seven Mile Miracle," which produces big and powerful waves, and which often creates difficult conditions for surfers and swimmers to survive if things go wrong. With the help of Lieutenant Emily "Em" Wright (Arielle Kebbel), and fellow lifeguards Will Ready (Adam Demos) and Laka Hanohano (Kekoa Kekumano), they monitor the surf and conduct difficult and sometimes dangerous rescues when necessary. Adding to the group is top-notch rookie Hina Alexander (Zoe Cipres), and Kainalu Emerson (Alex Aiono), whose can't shake the fact that he got the job thanks to his father, who just happens to be the local councilman. When they're not helping people out of the water, they're supporting each other as they work through their own drama.
Is It Any Good?
The surprisingly sensitive series features lifeguards on the famous O'ahu coastline saving people from drowning and dealing with the drama of their personal lives. Fans of 1990s dramas might be reminded of the mega-hit Baywatch, thanks to Captain Sonny being a single father, the skimpy bikinis, and the romantic tensions within the group. But despite some innuendo-filled moments, Rescue: HI-Surf replaces the jiggly, slow-motion sequences (for which Baywatch is famous) with scenes of high-speed rescue efforts and serious storylines that highlight the dangers of this coastline. It also presents some interesting, likable characters.
Meanwhile, it attempts to stay true to the local culture, and to highlight some of the economic and social challenges people living in the local community face despite the fact that the area is famous and full of tourists. Some may feel that Rescue: HI-Surf needs more heart-pounding action to drive the narrative forward, but others will find it heartfelt and compelling.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about O'ahu's North Shore. This part of Hawaii been featured in many TV shows and movies over the years. Can you name any of them?
Do you think the real lifeguards looking over the North Shore conduct rescue operations the way the Rescue: HI-Surf lifeguards do? Or does the show make it seem more exciting or dangerous?
TV Details
- Premiere date : September 22, 2024
- Cast : Robbie Magasiva , Arielle Kebbel , Kekoa Kekumano , Zoe Cipres
- Networks : Hulu , Fox
- Genre : Drama
- Character Strengths : Courage , Teamwork
- TV rating :
- Last updated : September 27, 2024
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
Suggest an Update
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate