Parents' Guide to

Shockwave

By Emily Ashby, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 12+

Real-life disaster tales are too intense for young kids.

TV History Reality TV 2007
Shockwave Poster Image

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

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What's the Story?

SHOCKWAVE compiles video footage of catastrophic events that have made recent history, including helicopter crashes, terror situations, and stunts gone awry. The series replays the images caught on film and adds interviews with bystanders and victims, who describe the terrifying events in detail. Computer-generated images help viewers understand what led to the catastrophe and how the survivors managed to escape with their lives.

Is It Any Good?

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

If heart-pounding, real-life drama is your thing, then Shockwave has plenty to offer. It's full of raw emotion and suspense, and the survival tales celebrate the power of the human spirit. Quality CGI makes it easy for viewers to visualize hidden details of the events, offering a complete picture of the events.

But the same points that make the series an enticing choice for adults ensure it's not the best choice for kids or sensitive tweens. The life-or-death nature of the stories -- especially those that take place in everyday settings like on bridges or on the road -- can easily cause anxiety among young kids, so it's best to save this show for after they're in bed.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about survival skills. What techniques do you know that could be used in the case of an accident? Are you familiar with basic CPR and first aid? Have you ever been involved in a life-threatening situation? What did you do? How did you feel? How can preparedness affect the outcome of a dangerous event? What, if anything, did you learn from this show? Do series like this one intend to teach viewers anything or just entertain?

TV Details

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