Common Sense Media Review
By Kari Croop
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Sci-fi drama explores the dark side of humans in captivity.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Under the Dome
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 4 parent reviews
Based on 12 kid reviews
Kids say the show is an interesting adaptation of the book, but it garners mixed reactions regarding its graphic content and script quality. While some viewers praise its intriguing plot and character potential, many express concerns over violence and adult themes, suggesting it may not be suitable for younger audiences.
- graphic content
- script quality
- interesting plot
- viewer age recommendations
- mixed reactions
- violence concerns
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
The small town of Chester's Mill is turned upside-down when an invisible -- and impenetrable -- barrier inexplicably surrounds the town, trapping most of the residents inside and UNDER THE DOME with no way out. But it doesn't take long for chaos to erupt, making way for the rise of new leadership with uncertain aims.
Is It Any Good?
This highly anticipated television adaptation miniseries of Stephen King's novel of the same name gets points for an intriguing premise and eye-popping visuals that make you want to keep watching -- if for no other reason than to figure out what in the world could flatten the front of a speeding delivery truck and cut a cow in half so cleanly. That said, the special effects aren't always convincing enough to completely immerse you in King's carefully drawn world, resulting in an end product that feels less compelling than it could be.
Although Chester's Mill is largely peopled with adults, Under the Dome will likely appeal to older teens, too. And for the most part, the source material's crudest content (mainly language, as in sexually charged terms like "slit snacking," and disturbing scenes involving gang rape and suggestions of necrophilia) has been heavily sanitized for TV audiences, making it an OK but still-edgy choice for older teens.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Under the Dome's sci-fi-heavy plot and which parts are actually plausible. In terms of violence, who proves to be the bigger threat to the people of Chester Mill: extraterrestrials or human beings?
How closely does Under the Dome adhere to the Stephen King book it's based on? If you've read it, discuss the similarities and differences. If you haven't, try doing some research to see what changes might have been made.
Who are the series' most positive role models? Can a character have flaws and still be heroic? How do earth-shattering events in real life that are on par with the appearance of "the Dome" create opportunities for ordinary people to perform extraordinary acts of heroism?
TV Details
- Premiere date : June 24, 2013
- Cast : Dean Norris , Mike Vogel , Rachelle Lefevre
- Network : CBS
- Genre : Science Fiction
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Book Characters
- TV rating :
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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