Parent reviews for The Hardy Boys

Some of the rankings seem a little off to me. Specifically Common Sense gives zero stars for “sex” related themes but there’s a fairly strong / PG-13 kissing scene with Frank and his girlfriend on the first episode. And while not “sexual” there is a romantic conflict (love triangle?) with Frank and his new friends in Bridgeport that is not mentioned or highlighted...in my opinion should be noted. There also seems to be an implied romantic same-sex relationship between the aunt and the police woman who are secondary characters to the kids. I’d think that information should be disclosed in the rankings, even though there is no outright activity, it’s definitely implied. I would want parents to know the show starts off fairly intense with a serious accident and the loss of a parent. Patents and children should be prepared to discuss the death of a loved one, the process of grief and acceptance and to be ready to answer questions. I can work with some of the rough acting and longer-than-necessary time to build a plot. My mature 13-year old found it an interesting show to watch and mostly engaging. I would recommend to others with kids 12 and older but I’d caution parents to make time to watch together and be engaged with discussion about the intensity in some scenes.

Sex: Parents should be warned of multiple kissing scenes between high schoolers Same sex relationship with the boys aunt & lady police chief with kissing Language: Cuss words including hell & ass We loved season 1 but was a little scary for my 8 year olds. Season 2 episode 2 was where it went downhill

The first season was good but it was a little different in season 2, it was too much for young kids withs same sex couple kissing scenes. Personally I feel its forced on everyone to watch alternative sex orientation content is every other kids movie, WHY?? I respect every community and their identity but I also feel I have no choice in the world of today, I have to accept that is being served....sad.

This is a great show to watch as a family. My family has all older kids (we also watch with my nephews, who are 10 and 11), and I think some of the scenes could get a bit scary for younger kids. I love that this show is a healthy dose of nostalgia, which is fun for parents, but isn't too "old fashioned" that kids won't like it. The Hardy boys are good roles models, but aren't perfect characters, which makes it all the more likeable to watch them learn from their mistakes. I also like the underlying message of friendship. The Hardy boys learn that they can't do everything alone, and they find trustworthy friends and authority figures to help them. Yes, the acting can be cheesy, but it's part of the style of show. I think it's meant to be a good campy mystery. Overall a great series!

This is a pretty good blending of detective mystery and supernatural elements. The story and characters are drawn with a broad brush, but it is right on target for the 10 - 13 year olds that I imagine are the intended audience. Props for a diverse cast. Props for showing adolescents having platonic friendships across gender lines. It's a little bit Scooby-Doo... a little bit Sherlock Holmes... A little bit Indiana Jones. It's well-paced. The storyline has gaps. But... it's for young people, so I get it. Check your brain and enjoy the ride. HOWEVER, I have a huge problem with some of the storylines in this show. MILD SPOILERS to follow. The younger of the two brothers meets and befriends an adult stranger he finds living on the beach. Once he realizes the individual is a wanted criminal and a liar, he then accepts money from the stranger to deliver a sealed package to a park bench. In the context of the Scooby-Doo style mystery that is unfolding, the audience understands that this is all a part of a deepening mystery. But for all this kid knows, he is taking part in a drug deal. The mysterious stranger later turns up in the boy's bedroom, where he surprises the boy and covers his mouth before he can scream out. Again, this is all dressed up as mysterious capers... and the child is not in imminent danger. But if this were real, these represent seriously dangerous situations. I felt the need to tell my 13 year old, as we watched, "You know, if a stranger EVER approached you and asked you to deliver something for them... I would expect you to NOT do what the characters in this show are doing." This is the sign of poorly constructed YA material. These storylines are not cautionary in tone. The kids do get into dangerous situations, but ultimately escape mortal danger unharmed (and largely unaffected). And the show lacks any adult voice that says "What were you THINKING? You could have been killed!"

Our family really enjoyed season 1. It's hard to find something we can all enjoy together. Towards the end, they were hinting at a love triangle, which is a little annoying (I'd rather see shows illustrate good friendships than fight over girls). They also were hinting at a lesbian relationship between the boys aunt and the girls mom, but they definitely could have explained it as them just being friends too. Unfortunately, we couldn't finish season 2. The new character they introduce immediately talks about her "abusive boyfriend" and later on has a lesbian relationship. I was starting to get soap opera vibes. I wish they would focus on the mystery and leave the romance out of a show aimed towards tweens.

Season 1: some kissing between high schoolers, but overall nothing more intense. Language was minimal. The loss of their mother and desire to learn who killed her drove the entire season and it was wonderful to see the love the mom had for her boys and devotion to family at the beginning and how they handled their grief and big feelings throughout the season. Not acting as though her loss meant nothing after initial heart ache. Some intense scenes and big topics like: loss of a parent, choosing friends/ fake friends, how to talk to your siblings and apologize if you need to, problem solving, and that anyone can be good or bad it’s how you behave not your titles. Feel like there is a long standing friendship between aunt and female police officer, Jessie, Biff’s mom, but other than a movie night and an angrily emotionally charged few exchanges when the kids were in trouble and Jessie felt things were being kept from her nothing in the first season. That said this is not like the books there is magic added and the boys ages differ greatly. However, I felt like sneaking happened but there was still a respect for authority of aunt, dad and other trusted adults. The season wraps with everyone being “happy”. However, does leave you ready for season 2.