Common Sense Media Review
By Emily Ashby
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Teens' unaccompanied ghost hunts too scary for little kids.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 11+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 8 parent reviews
Based on 20 kid reviews
Kids say this show has elicited mixed reactions, with some viewers loving its paranormal theme and excitement, while others deem it boring or too scary for younger audiences. Despite being labeled as a poor fit for Cartoon Network, many appreciate its ability to engage tweens and older kids, urging caution for those under 10 due to its spooky content.
- mixed reactions
- engaging for tweens
- too scary for kids
- reality show criticism
- paranormal theme
- not suitable for children
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
In THE OTHERSIDERS, five young friends team up to investigate reports of paranormal activity. The teens -- who range in age from 13 to 16 -- select sites based on credible reports of ghostly encounters and, after some background research, head out for midnight investigations of their own. Using high-tech equipment like infrared cameras and voice enhancement software, the team gathers data onsite before returning to their lab to analyze it and determine the likelihood of an actual haunting.
Is It Any Good?
Don't be misled into thinking this show is for kids of all ages because of the youthfulness of its cast or the fact that it airs on Cartoon Network. Flashes of glowing figures and creepy recordings of disembodied voices are no less chilling for being witnessed by older tweens and teens rather than adults. The show's content is intense, and the teens are visibly frightened by what they experience. In other words, The Othersiders isn't a show for young kids, and sensitive viewers of any age might get the creeps, too.
What's more, the show's premise is a bit disturbing, as it suggests that thee five teens -- one of whom is only 13 -- are heading off unaccompanied on these late-night ghost hunts in abandoned buildings, junkyards, and the like. And, disturbing as that idea is, the alternative -- that the show misrepresents the teens' autonomy during the investigations -- sends just as many negative messages to young viewers about the reality of shows like this one. While the team's investigations are intriguing and their conclusions will certainly make you wonder about the spiritual world, this show is best reserved for teens and adults who can handle its content.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about paranormal activity. Do you believe in ghosts? What evidence exists for and against the idea? Were you scared by any of the content of this show? What do you think the show's intent is? Families can also discuss how technology allows ghost hunters to conduct investigations. What equipment can they use to record images and sounds not heard or seen? Do you agree with the conclusions they draw from what they find?
TV Details
- Premiere date : June 17, 2009
- Network : Cartoon Network
- Genre : Reality TV
- TV rating :
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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