The Guard
Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.
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 suggesting a diversity update.
Suggest an Update
A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this TV show.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that this drama about members of the Canadian Coast Guard follows all the standard formulas for high-stakes rescue dramas. There's plenty of life-or-death action when the characters are on duty, and plenty of personal drama when they are not working. There is some smoking, a few bar scenes, and one female character who likes to blow off steam by getting very drunk and engaging in casual sex. None of this is particularly explicit, and the show is fine for some teens.
Community Reviews
There aren't any reviews yet. Be the first to review this title.
What's the Story?
When danger strikes on the seas near Port Hallet, Canada, THE GUARD is first on the scene. The brave members of the search-and-rescue squad face life-or-death situations every day, including sinking boats, men who have been washed overboard, and dangerous smugglers. The team members face even more drama when they are off duty, trying to to juggle their sometimes-messy personal lives.
Is It Any Good?
The Guard is a solid B-plus; it hits all the standard marks for a search-and-rescue series and doesn't stray from the tried-and-true formula. There's excitement in every episode as the team confronts life-or-death situations, and the off-duty action makes it clear that these high-stakes jobs can take a toll.
But the show doesn't quite manage to make the characters into fully-fleshed out people. Carly (Zoie Palmer) blows off steam by getting wasted and crawling into bed with whoever happens to be nearby. Miro (Steve Bacic) has trouble relating to people, and prefers online sex chat rooms. And Jeremy (Andrew Vanderlee) can't shake the guilt from a harrowing rescue gone bad. They all seem to come straight from medical drama central casting. The show isn't bad, and give it credit for focusing on the Coast Guard, a largely unsung branch of the armed forces. It just isn't particularly original.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about rescue workers. Do you think these jobs are as stressful as this series makes it seem? How would you handle a career where life-and-death situations are a regular occurrence? How would you manage the stress? Why do some characters turn to drinking to blow off steam? What are the real-life consequences of that?
How does The Guard compare to other search-and-rescue medical dramas, such as ER, Third Watch, or Trauma? Does it rise above the crowd, or does it seem like so many other shows?
TV Details
- Premiere date: February 22, 2008
- Cast: Andrew Vanderlee, Steve Bacic, Zoie Palmer
- Network: ION
- Genre: Drama
- TV rating: NR
- Last updated: February 25, 2022
Our Editors Recommend
-
Third Watch
Heavy NYC hero drama is too violent for kids.
-
Rescue Me
Complex, mature show isn't meant for younger viewers.
-
ER
Excellent, but the ER is no place for children.
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