Third Watch
By Sierra Filucci,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Heavy NYC hero drama is too violent for kids.
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What's the Story?
Gritty, powerful drama THIRD WATCH follows the personal and professional lives of a group of New York City police officers, firefighters, and paramedics. The three groups often interact, but many episodes focus on just one set of characters at a time. Some episodes are procedurals, in that a single crime or issue will be introduced and resolved within an hour, while other storylines follow a seasonal or multi-episode arc. The show's diverse cast included many talented actors over the years, with fans getting pulled in by characters whose lives beyond the uniform were sometimes as compelling as their professional careers.
Is It Any Good?
The intimacy between both romantic couples and those working in the intense circumstances of emergency services made for compelling -- if not exactly surprising -- drama.
Even though it originally aired on network television, Third Watch -- which is fraught with grisly violence and emotional tension -- pushed the limits when it came to violence and language. Because of that, as well as its general adult themes, parents will probably want kids to steer clear. The show also dealt directly with the September 11 terrorist attacks; it's powerful stuff, but not for the faint of heart.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about whether the situations presented on the show seem realistic. Do you think the violence and/or emotional content is played up? Why? What makes shows like this one compelling -- the characters, the issues they deal with, or both? Families can also discuss what compels people to choose risky professions. What would we do if no one wanted to do jobs like these? What are the benefits of working in a high-stress field like emergency services?
TV Details
- Premiere date: September 23, 1999
- Cast: Bobby Cannavale , Michael Beach , Molly Price
- Networks: A&E , Syndicated
- Genre: Drama
- TV rating: TV-14
- Last updated: February 13, 2023
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