Parents' Guide to

The Dead Zone

By Sierra Filucci, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 15+

Psychic fights crime in OK thriller. Teens and up.

TV USA Science Fiction 2002
The Dead Zone 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 9+

Based on 2 parent reviews

NasserBelg
NasserBelg Adult
June 12, 2019
age 8+

Kids can start watching this fabulous TV show at 8 but under 2 requirements: 1/Adult physically and mentally present 2/Skip a lot of episodes

I started watching this TV show when I was barely eight years old and fell in love with it! My Mum wouldn’t miss a single episode aired on TV, so I had been exposed to it at a very young age: 8 years old since I was allowed to stay up late at night during the week end. However, I think that some episodes are way too violent to be introduced to children of that age, if you want an idea of an ideal age to watch the whole TV show, then the appropriate age is 12! I can even give you an idea of the episodes which are okay to introduce to your kids: 01x12 Shaman 02x05 Precipitate 02x13 The Storm 02x17 The Mountain 03x05 Total Awareness 03x10 Instinct 04x05 Heroes & Demons 04x10 Coming Home 05x06 Lotto Fever

This title has:

Great messages
Great role models
Too much violence
Too much sex
Too much drinking/drugs/smoking
Nassir L.
Nassir L. Adult
August 4, 2018
age 10+

The best TV show ever made.

I used to watch this show with my Mum when I was eight and loved it! The show can get scary at some points, some of the visions the main character has could be disturbing to children but I think it is okay as long as an adult stays with the kid. Don’t wait, enter The Dead Zone! You won’t regret it, that show is fabulous and will hook you for sure, good to be watched with the whole family!
See all 2 parent reviews

What's the Story?

In psychological thriller THE DEAD ZONE (based on Stephen King's 1979 novel), Johnny Smith (Anthony Michael Hall) wakes from a six-year coma to find that his world has changed: His mother has died, and his wife has remarried, and he's gained the ability to foresee the future by touching people and objects. He uses his newfound powers to fight for good, though he struggles with interpreting his visions and sometimes makes devastating mistakes. The series follows a somber, sensitive Smith as he tangles with politicians, investigates crimes, and tries to piece his life back together.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (2):
Kids say (4):

The Dead Zone has elements that make it a potential cult hit -- the supernatural, political conspiracy, a mysterious future, and even Smith's tortured soul -- but it also has multiple weaknesses that keep it from being a true success. The one black character (John L. Adams as Bruce Lewis) in the otherwise all-white cast has minimal importance and often just seems along for the ride. And if Smith would lighten up occasionally, it would actually allow viewers to take him more seriously. Watching him manage his visions is an exciting aspect of the show, but Hall overplays the seriousness of his role a bit and tends to hold a stoic expression in almost every scene. Also, his face is consistently lit from an angle, adding both an otherworldly and sort of silly melodramatic effect.

With murder, crime, and conspiracy at the forefront, The Dead Zone isn't for younger folks. Some episodes are more gruesome than others, and some involve children being threatened or killed. Most older teens should be able to handle the material.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about supernatural powers. What would it be like to see the future? What other powers would family members want to have? Would teens be tempted to use their powers for not-so-good reasons? What responsibilities come with having powers like Johnny's?

TV Details

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