I like the show myself, but I would never let my children watch it.(8,13)
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Torchwood
(Rated TV-14, Science fiction , Starring John Barrowman, Eve Myles, Naoko Mori, Where to watch: BBC America, DVD, Online)
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Is it age appropriate?
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Not age appropriate for kids under 14, age appropriate for kids over 99; suggested age 14. -
Is it any good?
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Common Sense says
British sci-fi series offers intense alien action.
Why We Rated This 
for Ages 14–18
The good stuff
What to watch out for
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Violence:
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Sex:
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Language:
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Consumerism:
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Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
What Parents Need to Know
About Torchwood
Parents need to know that this British science-fiction series from some of the creators of the latest iteration of Doctor Who is intense and bloody enough to make it iffy for younger and/or sensitive viewers. Some of the alien characters are menacing in appearance, and their violent attacks on people can be graphic (in one scene, for example, a man is bitten in the neck, and blood gushes from the wound). Bloody murder victims are also shown at crime scenes. Expect plenty of strong language ("s--t," "hell," and even "f --k"), too.
Read our full review by Emily Ashby
Families Can Talk About
- Families can talk about the appeal of science fiction. What draws people to this genre? What's the fascination of aliens and cool gizmos? Does sci-fi work as well on TV as it does on the big screen? Why or why not? Families can also discuss extraterrestrial life. Do you believe in aliens? Why or why not? How would life change if it was proved they existed? Could our society handle something like that?
Our Members Say
See all 12 member reviews
Most Recent Reviews
- I rate this title off for age 17 and give itMy concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- Inappropriate sexual content
- Inappropriate language
- Drinking, smoking, or drug use
Good for adults, but not for children or teens
- I rate this title on for age 14 and give it
Like the other reviews have said, Torchwood is very, very edgy--there is much more violence, swearing and sex than on most American Sci-Fi shows. I love the show, however, and let my two high-school age children watch it because Torchwood has the characters grappling with decisions and ramifications in very realistic ways. They are rarely given simple options when solving problems but the decisions almost always benefit the greater society in the end. We have had some excellent conversations with our kids about loyalty, integrity, prejudice, morality and redemption after watching Torchwood. I would absolutely recommend this to families with high school age kids who want a great story line, good characters and a lot of thought in their TV viewing.
- I rate this title on for age 14 and give itMy concerns are:
- Inappropriate sexual content
- Inappropriate language
- Negative role models
I personally LOVE the show and I am thirteen years of age. There are many scenes in which I would not allow my child (even at thirteen years, possibly) to watch. Jack Harkness (the leader) is a terrible role model and will "shag anything if it is gorgeous enough." But I mean he is terrible in the most loving manner. There is a large amount of alcohol consumption and smoking, theft, intercourse, et cetera but the plot lines are amazing! The messages this show deals with are very real and very relateable and characters such as Gwen Cooper are designed for audience connection- ie. she asks a lot of questions that we'd want answered. So, in short, I would allow anyone 14+ to watch only because I know they have already been exposed to most of what appears, but it is not a family show. I love it, though and if your child is mature enough, let them watch!
- I rate this title on for age 12 and give it
Good Show, read to below!!!
Torchwood is a teenage version of Dr Who. as teenagers get bored with a man who travels in a smal little blue box with his fatefull companuins and fights bad things around the univers and want a bit of action, a bit of blood, a bit of explosions and abit more action! I started watching this at the age of 12 (About the age i did not want to watch a man in a little blue box) and i new about the main charictor, captain jack harkness, he has been on dr who alot, i new he was gay and lead a organisation known as Torchwood, acturly, Torchwood is doctor who mixed up.Yep, it has a bit of gay sex, but no nudity! And the best part.............EXPLOSIONS!!! Every teenager likes explosions and blood! So, im am going to say 12+ :] thank you!
- I rate this title iffy for age 14 and give it
Good show, but not for the faint of heart
Right off the bat, this show can be violent, gory, sexual, etc. All the main characters are adults, so they cuss, drink, fight and have sex. The plots are engaging, if not terribly complicated, and they range from benign alien lifeforms trapped on earth to cannibals attacking the team. One of the best things about it is the approach they take to sexuality - the hero is devoutly bisexual, flirting with most of the people he meets, and the rest of the main cast have all kissed at least one person of each gender, on screen. It deals with things like conflict between friends, life after death, betrayal, the difference between love and lust, etc. Basically, if you're looking for a good sci-fi series that's more on the adult end of the spectrum, it's a good choice.
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Ratings at a Glance
| 67% | of parents say the sexual behavior isn't age appropriate |
| 67% | of parents say it has language their kids can't use |
| 33% | of parents don't feel there are good role models |
| 33% | of parents say there's too much drinking, drugs, or smoking |
| 33% | of parents say it's too violent |
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