Parents' Guide to

Surface

By David Gurney, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 13+

Mysterious but somewhat scary sci-fi thriller.

TV NBC Science Fiction 2005
Surface Poster Image

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What's the Story?

SURFACE follows various characters on their investigations into what may possibly be a new life form appearing in the water. A late-night water skier (Carter Jenkins) is brushed by something unidentifiable off the coast of North Carolina. An oceanographer sees unknown creatures swimming out of a channel on the floor of the ocean near California. A Louisiana diver is dragged away and drowns during a freak harpooning accident in the Gulf Coast. An abandoned nuclear submarine is discovered 5000 miles off course in the waters of the Antarctic. Though each of these events takes place far away from the others, they all seem to be connected to an unrecognizable carcass that washes up on the shore in South Carolina.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say Not yet rated
Kids say (1):

The heavy science-fiction element in Surface makes it seem less connected to real life and more like the fantasy island of Lost, and it's definitely aimed at the audience members who made Lost into such a huge phenomenon in the 2004-2005 season. While the pilot is careful not to reveal too much about the creature(s), the human characters seem engaging enough. Based on the pilot, it will be appropriate for older tweens and above, as long as they are okay with the underwater suspense. Of course, as it progresses, the series will likely become more graphic.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the risky behaviors of the young character, Miles (Carter Jenkins). He is shown waterskiing at night with his friends, and then later, after being caught, he sneaks out of his house in the middle of the night to go back to the same spot. Is this appropriate behavior? How might he have handled himself differently?

TV Details

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