Common Sense Media Review
By Emily Ashby
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Chilling paranormal-adventure show isn't for faint of heart.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
What's the Story?
When renowned adventurer/TV personality Dr. Emmet Cole (Bruce Greenwood) goes missing on an Amazonian expedition, his family and friends join forces to track him down and bring him home. Led by Emmet's wife, Tess (Leslie Hope), and his estranged son, Lincoln (Joe Anderson), the team's journey into the jungle is fraught with mystery as they follow the uncertain clues they've gleaned from Emmet's final recordings. Their mission takes them to unexplored places where paranormal forces threaten their progress and even their lives, and where the line between what's real and what's fantasy is hazy at best. Joined by a hodgepodge team of researchers, bodyguards, and videographers, all of whom have their own agendas for tagging along, Tess and Lincoln press on to locate Emmet in the hopes that reuniting with him will help heal their strained relationships.
Is It Any Good?
THE RIVER is a chilling, unpredictable series that pairs heart-pounding suspense with intense human drama. The story borrows plot and style points from the likes of Lost and The Blair Witch Project, as well as producer Oren Peli's well-known Paranormal Activity, so it's hardly groundbreaking. That said, the show is a fun watch, and its spine-tingling mysteries don't end with the things that go bump in the night. Longstanding tensions among the characters create drama where there otherwise isn't any, and unraveling the secrets behind their motivations conjures almost as much nail-biting as the unsettled spirits do.
The human side of The River explores the tenuous relationships between parents and kids and between marriage partners, and some of the issues it raises are worthwhile for families. Grown-up Lincoln is reluctant to forgive his father for what he views as an unfulfilled childhood, but his emotions are complicated by the possibility that his father might be alive and in danger. This side of the show's content may well spark some productive discussions within families, but parents should be thoughtful about exposing their tweens or young teens to the show, since the paranormal-based suspense is potentially more haunting than gory violence would be.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the supernatural. Do you believe in spirits and ghosts? What evidence (or lack thereof) influences how you feel? Do you know anyone who claims to have had a firsthand experience with a spiritual being? Do firsthand accounts seem believable to you?
Do you find The River scary? How does the nature of its horror compare to a show or movie that has more physical violence? Which type of content is more disturbing to you? Why?
Teens: How far would you go to protect or save a family member? What if doing so put you in danger? Is there anything you wouldn't do for someone you love?
TV Details
- Premiere date : February 7, 2012
- Cast : Bruce Greenwood , Joe Anderson , Leslie Hope
- Network : ABC
- Genre : Drama
- Topics : Adventures , Fantasy
- TV rating :
- Last updated : October 1, 2025
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