Parents' Guide to

Sanctuary

By Will Wade, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 11+

Monsters are real in fun (if unoriginal) series.

TV Syfy Science Fiction 2008
Sanctuary 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 12+

Based on 4 parent reviews

stargategeek
stargategeek Adult
April 29, 2010
age 17+

This title has:

Too much violence
Too much sex
Too much swearing
Great role models
Ocelot
Ocelot Parent of 5, 10 and 13-year-old
December 8, 2009
age 10+
Two shows that are a staple for my family on a friday night one is Stargate U and the other is Sanctuary. WOW this show is amazing the story telling in this show is top shelf, Sanctuary deals with racism in alot of episodes, also family values and respecting people of all walks of life all of these things i want my kids to embrace. yes there is violence and it is graphic at times. overall thought that violence is there for a reason and there to back up the message.

This title has:

Great messages
Great role models
See all 4 parent reviews

What's the Story?

Will Zimmerman (Robin Dunne) is the kind of detective who can walk into a crime scene, take a quick look around, and tell the other investigators why their easy theory about who did it just doesn't make sense. The fact that his amazing powers of observation sometimes lead to seemingly impossible conclusions doesn't win this awkward odd duck any friends in the police department -- but it does make him an ideal fit in the SANCTUARY. Led by Dr. Helen Magnus (Amanda Tapping), this mysterious organization preserves a deep secret: Monsters are real, and someone needs to track them down and protect the world from creatures that most people would prefer to believe don't exist. These "abnormals," as they're called, include humans with a range of genetic mutations and unique abilities, mythical creatures, and a wide variety of dangerous beasts. Some seek refuge in the sanctuary, while others are confined there either for their own good or because they're too dangerous to be allowed to roam free. Magnus and her team serve as their caretakers, jailers, and hunters.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (4 ):
Kids say (7 ):

The show combines a standard detective series with an X-Files-esque investigation into the paranormal -- along with a hint of 24, since the team must work secretly to save the world from dangerous monsters. There's a fair bit of violence, both when the beasts attack and when the Sanctuary team retaliates, using both lethal and non-lethal weapons. Dr. Magnus' daughter Ashley (Emilie Ullerup), a martial arts expert who's comfortable with a variety of weapons, usually takes point on these missions.

Overall, Sanctuary is entertaining enough. It won't win prizes for originality, but it certainly offers sufficient diversion that viewers will want to learn more about the mysterious secrets that link Zimmerman and Dr. Magnus.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about monsters. Many films and TV shows feature various types of supernatural creatures, but this one makes a point of insisting that that they're real. Do other shows make it clearer that the beasts are fictional? Why do you think this series needs to assume that monsters walk among us? Do you believe in monsters? Also, what does this show have in common with other sci-fi shows and movies? How is it different?

TV Details

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