Parents' Guide to

Twin Peaks

By Elka Karl, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 14+

Surreal cult hit might be too disturbing for teens.

TV ABC Drama 1990
Twin Peaks Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this TV show.

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age 11+

Based on 15 parent reviews

Zoethustra
Zoethustra Parent of 2 and 12-year-old
February 17, 2019
age 14+

The Best TV Show of All Time

This show is terrifying, hilarious, endearing, heartbreaking, haunting, sweet, uncomfortable, and strange all in one. It is also iconic. This is the show that changed TV forever. There would be no Breaking Bad, no X-Files, no Sopranos, etc. without Twin Peaks. The characters are interesting and original, the acting is spot on, the shots are gorgeous, the music is haunting...you just can't get better than this show. I watched it for the first time when I was about 14 or 15. I think that is an appropriate age. While there is no cursing, nudity, etc. some of the themes are pretty heavy, there is discussion of drugs/prostitution and there are definitely some scenes that will give you nightmares (at any age). (Also, please note that my review is of the original Twin Peaks- Seasons 1 & 2. The 2017 Return doesn't even come close and I would avoid it unless you prefer Eraserhead-era David Lynch).

This title has:

Great role models
1 person found this helpful.
sammyboy1
sammyboy1 Adult
April 11, 2022
age 2+

This title has:

Educational value
Great messages
Great role models
See all 15 parent reviews

What's the Story?

TWIN PEAKS follows FBI agent Dale Cooper's (Kyle McLaughlan) murder investigation of teenage homecoming queen Laura Palmer in the small town of Twin Peaks, WA. Set in 1989, each episode roughly follows one day in the investigation. The drama, which was created by David Lynch and Marc Frost, picks up several subplots that unfurl from this main storyline, exploring concepts of morality, appearance vs. reality, and the misleading expectations of life in a small town. Quirky characters, odd humor, and surrealistic situations abound.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (15):
Kids say (21):

In the 20 years since Twin Peaks debuted, the show's reputation has withstood the test of time. The genre-defying television series combined complicated subplots, excellent scripts, and impressive acting into a quirky cult hit. In only two seasons it received 17 Emmy nominations, and TV Guide rated it as one of the "Top 50 Television Shows of All Time." Teens who appreciate odd characters and are mature enough to handle the show's dark tone and occasional drugs and violence will find Twin Peaks to be worthwhile viewing and serve as a good introduction to David Lynch's bizarre, but often oddly satisfying brand of drama.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about what ways is Agent Cooper different than most FBI agents portrayed on television? What is quirky about him as a character? Is he a hero or a role model? Who can be considered heroic in the series?

  • What does surrealism mean? What's an example of a surrealistic moment in an episode of Twin Peaks?

  • How does the violence in this show affect you? Does it seem more or less violent that other mysteries or legal dramas you've seen?

TV Details

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