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Titles S through Z

Show TV series titles index…

Please note: These viewer comments are from our VISITORS, not the Christian Spotlight staff.

Sabrina, The Teenage Witch

Sabrina the Teenage Witch 1996–2003

Image—Sagwa the Chinese Siamese Cat

Sagwa, the Chinese Siamese Cat 2001–2002

Chinese-Canadian-American animated series based on the children’s book by Amy Tan / Sagwa lives in the palace of a magistrate in China (?-late Qing dynasty), as part of a royal family of cats who have the ability to write with their tails. She and her siblings, along with various other cats and Fu-Fu the bat, have adventures that are usually accompanied by moral lessons and a display of various elements of Chinese culture.

Usually Okay—My 4 year old and 2 year old both love this show. Sagwa learns good lessons each time. Also, a good introduction to a foreign culture. For Westerners, an interesting look into the life of one royal family of cats in China. Interspersed with real-life segments that teach about Chinese traditions and culture. Have never seen anything to be concerned about.
Tim, age 28
Usually Okay—I like Sagwa; it is a nice kid’s show-I like it and I am an adult. It always has a nice plot where Sagwa learns a lesson and it also introduces kids to positive elements of Chinese culture and history.
Jennifer, age 21
Sailor Moon

Sailor Moon 1992-1997

Saturday Night Live logo

Saturday Night Live 1975-____

also known as “SNL”

American live television sketch comedy and variety show created by Lorne Michaels and developed by Dick Ebersol / The show's comedy sketches often parody contemporary culture and politics, and are performed by a large and varying cast of repertory and newer cast members. Each episode is hosted by a celebrity guest, who usually delivers the opening monologue and performs in sketches with the cast as with featured performances by a musical guest. An episode normally begins with a cold open sketch that ends with someone breaking character and proclaiming, “Live from New York, it's Saturday Night!”.

Avoid—I don’t see how the networks can get by showing such junk! Almost every skit throws strong sexual innuendos in your face. It doesn’t get watched in my home any more.
Kevin, age 35
Avoid—One of the reasons I stopped watching television altogether. Insult after insult, bad joke after bad joke. I don’t even know where to start. This show should be avoided not just for poor morals, but poor everything. (Must miss TV.)
Eric Lielbriedis, age 34
Avoid—While at times humorous, this in-your-face, late-night comedy show is blatantly anti-Christian and often profane. Not worth dragging your mind through the mud to get a few laughs.
T.C., age 24
Usually Okay—This show is extremely funny. There are times in the show’s early days and in some more recent episodes, and scattered throughout, where the show passed over comedy with real substance for cheap dirty jokes…but the bulk of the show is just plain and simple parody. Sex is sometimes discussed so I don’t recommend it for young children, but anyone who can stomach a PG-13 movie is fit to laugh at the antics of Saturday Night Live.
Ben Tyler, age 19
also see: movie spin offs— “A Night at the Roxbury,” “Superstar
Seinfeld. Copyright © Sony Pictures Television.

Seinfeld 1990–1998 (180 episodes)

American sitcom / Main characters are Jerry Seinfeld (Jerry Seinfeld), Elaine Benes (Julia Louis-Dreyfus), Cosmo Kramer (Michael Richards), and George Costanza (Jason Alexander).

Avoid—Among the most popular of sitcoms in TV history (and now only available in reruns), Seinfeld deals with the daily and often mundane lives of four single adults: Jerry Seinfeld (played by himself), and friends George Costanza, Cosmo Kramer, and Elaine Bennes. While offering often hilarious comedic situations, sexual situations are often the shows topic (including premarital sex, sometimes homosexuality or masturbation, etc.). This series is often offensive to Christian values. Overall, steer clear of this American favorite.
T.C., age 24
Caution—It has some chuckles, just be aware of the constant sexual content—though not as blatant as the “slime oozing out of your TV set” these days (thank you to the late Frank Zappa for that line - not exactly a paragon of purity himself, but even a stopped clock…). Currently produced shows are often much worse, making Mad About You seem tame by comparison. Still, characters on this show display the casual sex mentality born in the 60’s—everybody does it with everybody and blithely escape the real-world consequences.
FK, age 60 (USA)
7 Days. Copyright © UPN.

Seven Days 1998–2001 (66 episodes)

also known as “7 Days”

Science fiction series based on time travel

Caution—If you love Science Fiction, your choices are often limited. “Seven Days” is an excellent time travel show. It does not overdo the element of a hero traveling back in time. The stories are well written and have interesting twists along the way. It is just fantasy. We do know as Christians, that the past, present, and future belong to God. The show is not perfect in value. It sometimes present our hero abusing alcohol and gambling. There is also some sexual innuendos. The plots never focus on these story lines. They are just thrown in.
Douglas Downs, age 44
Comments from young people
Caution—"Seven Days" started out great, but has been having a bit of sex in it recently… watch with caution, you may have to shut it off.
Julei, age 16
Stephen Collins and Catherine Hicks of '7th Heaven'

7th Heaven 1996–2007 (11 seasons / 243 episodes)

Shasta McNasty 1999-2000

also known as “Shasta”
Shasta McNasty. Copyright © UPN.

An American sitcom that centers on 3 friends who are in a rap rock band. Main characters are Dennis (Jake Busey), Scott (Carmine Giovinazzo), Randy (Dale Godboldo), and Diana (Jolie Jenkins).

Avoid—Totally inappropriate for the teen and twentysomething audience it’s aimed at. Besides that, it’s not funny. Extremely offensive.
Hillari Hunter, age 38
She-Ra

She-Ra and the Princesses of Power 2018–2020

An American animated series about a teenager named Adora, who gains powers that allow her to turn into superhero. Emboldened with this power, Adora leads a group of other magical princesses in an alliance to defeat the evil Horde, who are led by Lord Hordak. Tor.com commented that the series “reads as utterly queer in just about every aspect,” with many characters coded as fluid in terms of gender or sexuality, and none as clearly heterosexual. In an interview, when a network executive asked what the rainbow in the climax of the first season's finale meant, Stevenson replied: “The gay agenda.” In 2019, the show was nominated by GLAAD (a Gay and Lesbian alliance group) for a GLAAD Media Award for Outstanding Kids & Family Programming.

This series is a reboot of the 1985 Filmation series She-Ra: Princess of Power.

Avoid—After being raised in the fight zone by Shadow Weaver all her life. Adora decides to disregard what she was taught and leaves it all behind after stumbling upon a sword in the Whispering Woods and transforms into She-Ra. During which time she finds new friends Princess Glimmer and Bow. It’s because of this she loses her old childhood friend Catra and they are in a battle against each other. Which makes this the focal point of the show besides the fight against the Horde.

This reboot of the 80’s cartoon She-Ra and the princess of power is a far cry from the original. The differences between the shows are quite prevalent. One of which is the atmosphere of the show as a whole. The background colors give a nice fantasy feel to the show. Despite this, the most recognizable change is the change in the sexuality of the characters. During the first season of the show, they didn’t really push the subject. It wasn’t until the next season that there was a confirmed lesbian couple. Even so, they pushed the subject further with every season. The sexuality was so prevalent that they made the main character a lesbian at the very end of the final season.

There are a few things that they have in common. Of course, the main thing is that it’s about fighting the Horde. They both have magic and it’s about female empowerment. They also have the same villains and the same main characters as well.

The storyline of the show is quite compelling with twists and turns with every big revelation in the show. There is much depth in each episode and with each character. Also, if you feel that you missed having a certain character from the original not in the show you can find Easter eggs that reference that character.

Overall, even with the compelling storyline, it’s heavily overshadowed by the forcing of the character’s sexuality, and it’s because of this that it’s not the best show for any child or teenager. If you want to watch She-Ra, it’s best to watch the original 80’s version instead.
Amanda, age 28 (USA)
The Simpsons

The Simpsons 1989-____

Sister, Sister 1994-1999

Sister, Sister

American sitcom starring identical twins Tia and Tamera Mowry / The show’s premise was that Tia Landry (the intelligent twin from inner city Detroit) and Tamera Campbell (the boy-crazy twin from the suburbs) were separated at birth and one was adopted by a single mother while the other was adopted by a couple, although the mother died shortly afterward; 14 years later the two accidentally found each other and reunited. The girls’ neighbor is nerdy Roger Evans (Marques Houston), an annoying teenager who is infatuated with both of them, and who evolves into a perfect gentleman they both find attractive.

Comments from young people
Caution—This show is good, and while Tia and Tamara don’t USUALLY do stuff that is bad, you have to watch out for the mom, who [refers to] sexual innuendo [at times] (as does the dad). It’s not a bad show, but do use caution.
Vanesa, age 15
Usually Okay—…a great family show! I think there are 2 or 3 episodes that the mom says the place other than heaven (you know). I’ve seen almost every episode and I’ve never heard the twins (Tia & Tamara) use our Lord’s name in vain. I definitely recommend "Sister, Sister" to everyone.
nL. Meadows, age 13
Usually Okay—…definitely a show I would recommend because it touches and deals with many of the issues that are relevant to a large number of adolescents today. Tia and Tamara Mowry are strong Christians and are dedicated to living a life worthy unto God. Their show upholds the moral values and principles needed to keep adolescents abreast in today’s society. Overall, "Sister, Sister" is a show that has the content and character that is useful in dealing with regular teen issues.
nDesiree’ J., age 16
Sliders

Sliders 1995–2000

American science fiction fantasy series that follows a group of travelers as they use a wormhole to “slide” between different parallel universes / Stars included Jerry O'Connell, Cleavant Derricks, Sabrina Lloyd, John Rhys-Davies, Kari Wuhrer, Charlie O'Connell, Robert Floyd, and Tembi Locke.

Caution—The basic concept of this show, parallel Earths is debunked by Christian doctrine but does not stop it from being enjoyable. The show proposes several "What if…" scenarios. "What if America lost the revolutionary war. "What if the world was ruled by Communists?" Also a new character Colin Mallory offers some religious insight. The only thing that Christians could find offensive is the shows main foil - the Kromaggs. The Kromaggs are based on the Evolution theory. Which goes against what the Bible said. The character of Maggie Beckett may be offensive since she is very lax in her morals. But a lesson can be learned from her since her lack of morals usually land the group in trouble.
John Davidson, age 20
Avoid—The plot and acting often are not well done. Unfortunately, there is also a strong tendency to put down biblical concepts and devotion to Christ. Two examples are an episode on quasi-fundamentalists (with many snide remarks apparently referring to Christians), and one in which Maggie explains how cross-dressing is a normal lifestyle.
Larry, age 39
Smart Guy. Copyright ©

Smart Guy 1997–1999 (51 episodes)

American sitcom set in Washington, D.C. centering on a boy genius and his family / Produced by de Passe Entertainment and Danny Kallis Productions, in association with Walt Disney Television / Main characters are “T.J.” Henderson (Tahj Mowry), Morris L. “Mo” Tibbs (Omar Gooding), Marcus Henderson (Jason Weaver), Yvette Henderson (Essence Atkins), and Floyd Henderson (John Marshall Jones).

Usually Okay—A sitcom about a brainy kid and his family. Family values are usually highlighted.
Kenya Branch, age 41
So Weird marketing. Copyright © Disney Channel.

So Weird 1999-2003 (65 episodes)

American-Canadian series produced as a Disney Channel Original Series

Avoid—I’m writing to inform you on a show on the Disney channel called "So Wierd." It’s about a girl who travels around with her rock star mom and her band. As the name suggests, wierd things happen to them everywhere they go. Avoid this show. It’s chock full of occultic themes like mediums, magic, and vodoo, and it makes it seem like these are positive things, too!

One particularly disturbing episode was about a medium. At first I thought the message was going to be positive, because although the man had the ability to talk to ghosts, he didn’t want to and even exposed other fraudulent mediums. It all went downhill, though, when the girl (I forget her name) finally convinces the man to help her communicate with her dead father. She thinks he should use his power to somehow help people. The ending will have kids believe that she succeeded in communicating with her deceased father, and that this is a good thing.

This is NOT a good show for ANYONE. Even without the occultic elements, it still wouldn’t be a good show. The characters are uninteresting. But, I will say this: "So Wierd" is an appropriate title for the show.
Melissa E., age 20
Sonic Boom characters. Copyright © SEGA.

Sonic Boom 2014-17 (104 episodes)

This comic science fiction action TV series was produced by Sega of America, Inc. and Technicolor Animation Productions in collaboration with Lagardère Thématiques and Jeunesse TV. Sonic, Tails, Amy, Knuckles and Sticks reside on Seaside Island in Hedgehog Village. Together, they defend the island from various threats like Doctor Eggman and his robotic creations.

Usually Okay—“Sonic Boom” is CGI cartoon series based on the popular Sonic the Hedgehog video game franchise.

The series centers on Sonic (the hero), his friends Tails, (the inventor) Knuckles (dim-witted tough guy) Amy Rose (voice of reason) and newcomer Sticks the Badger (the crazy one) as every week they battle against whatever goofy scheme Dr. Eggman comes up with.

“Sonic Boom” gears itself more towards younger viewers, and is very comedic in nature. The humor is not mean-spirited, and the violence is mostly towards robots—though there is one scene in the first episode where Tails crashes his plane and Sonic pulls an unconscious Tails from the wreckage, thinking he is dead.

Having watched all the episodes, it is hard to find anything parents might object to. There was one episode called “Mech Suits Me” where Sonic looks to be demonically possessed by a robot’s A. I system. His eyes glow bright red, and he starts terrorizing the people of the village, and attempts to kill Dr. Eggman. His friends break him free from the robot’s spell in the end.

“Sonic Boom” doesn’t really try to teach moral lessons, as it focuses itself more on comedy. If anything, the series teaches the value of friendship. Sonic and Tails have a brotherly bond in the show (very well displayed in “The Sidekick”) In other episodes, Sonic can even put his differences with the evil Dr. Eggman aside. (“New Year’s Retribution” and “Curse of Buddy-Buddy Temple”)

Overall, “Sonic Boom” is an innocent cartoon that younger children (and kids at heart) can enjoy.
Christopher McRae, age 33 (USA)
The Sopranos

The Sopranos 1999–2007

This American crime drama series revolves around Tony Soprano (James Gandolfini), a New Jersey-based Italian-American mobster, portraying the difficulties that he faces as he tries to balance his family life with his role as the leader of a criminal organization. Suffering from panic attacks, Tony engages in therapy sessions with psychiatrist Jennifer Melfi off and on throughout the series. Tony eventually finds himself at odds with his uncle Junior, his wife Carmela, other mobsters within the Soprano family, and the New York City-based Lupertazzi family, putting his life at risk.

Avoid—“The Sopranos” is yet another example of how viewers and critics can be deceived into thinking that gratuitous sex, violence, and language are signs of gritty, raw drama. I beg to differ. This show stinks. It’s yet another examination of the mafia, with an attempt at a twist. The problem is, since the show is on HBO, the focus of the show is graphic nudity, sex, violence, and language. This is nonsense. I think most of the performances are stereotypical, and nothing that I haven’t seen in a Scorcese picture with Robert DeNiro.
Jeff South, age 35
Caution—This show has some extremely vulgar language and quite a bit of violence, which is why you should never allow your children to watch it, under any circumstances. At the same time, it is probably one of the most intelligent, well-written, well-acted shows in the history of television, with some of the most exquisitely drawn characters of all time. The critics rave about it for good reason. We’re not really supposed to think of the characters as good people (they’re not), but at the same time it’s hard not to sympathize with Tony, Carmela, et. al, which is why this show is so dangerous. It’s hard for me to say to “Avoid” it though, because it’s just such a well-written show. Either way, it’s definitely not for everyone.
Dave, age 36
Avoid—…The language is awful!…
Jacques “Jerry” Lemieux, age 48
South Park

South Park 1997-____

Space Ghost Coast to Coast

Space Ghost Coast to Coast 1994-2008

American adult animated parody talk show hosted by the character Space Ghost (a 1960s Hanna-Barbera superhero)

Usually Okay—This is one of the funniest shows I’ve ever seen! I recommend this to everyone. I haven’t seen “Shrek”, but its biggest compliment from critics was that it was funny to both kids and adults because it had adult jokes that only adults got and childish jokes that everyone could laugh at. If Shrek was first noticed for this, they must have passed over Space Ghost. This show is a madhouse of late-night TV where the stagehands don’t even cooperate and the guests don’t even know what the host is talking about most of the time. It’s all in good fun, and the offensive material is usually very minimum. Two thumbs up!!
Ben Tyler, age 19
Usually Okay—This is a cool animated show that is “slick” and funny. Like everything else in this world, if the episode is not to be viewed by a christian, then trust and obey the Holy Spirit of God. John 16:13a. It’s an escape really for teens to adults [not the little ones] to watch. I like how Space Ghost interviews “real” celebrities [actual people, not animations] putting them sometimes through a verbal kung fu ringer! Also the interaction between the cartoon hosts Motar and Zorak is extremely amusing. Check it out!
Joe, age 50
SpongBob SquarePants characters.

SpongeBob SquarePants 1999-____

American animated comedy series chronicling the adventures and endeavors of the SpongeBob and his aquatic friends in the fictional underwater city of Bikini Bottom

Comments from young people
Caution—When I first watched this, I thought it was really funny. And actually I still do. But then, as I watched more of it, I noticed that there are a lot of innuendos, that younger kids wouldn’t catch on to, but then again, it’s mostly my age group that watches it! I think that this is an alright show, but not something to watch regularly, even though it can be humorous.
Tamara Robinson, age 16
Usually Okay—My dad and I love this cartoon! It is so funny! My mom thinks we’re crazy, but it’s a fun show. At fist you may think it’s dumb, but watch a few episodes, and you may find it kind of humourous. Some of the characters might remind you of some people you know ;) It sort reminds me of “Ren and Stimpy.” (Remember those cartoons?), only it’s not as disgusting. Out of most of the newer cartoons out there, I’d pick this as being the most ridiculous, quirky, and creative one of all!
Yashi, age 18
Usually Okay—This and Seinfeld are the two greatest shows on TV. Many shows these days completely miss on the humor by having it too sexual or purposely stupid. Even though this is a cartoon, I think it is hilarious. I have never seen one offensive show, except for one where they swore but it was censored and only used as a joke (it was too teach you not to swear). It is the first show to appeal to adults and children for many many years. Highly recommended.
Adam, age 14
Stargate: SG-1

Stargate: SG-1 1997–2007 (214 episodes)

also known as “SG-1”

This Canadian-American military science fiction adventure series is part of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer’s Stargate franchise. The show, created by Brad Wright and Jonathan Glassner, is based on the 1994 science fiction film “Stargate” by Dean Devlin and Roland Emmerich. The story of Stargate SG-1 begins about a year after the events of the feature film when the United States government learns that an ancient alien device called the Stargate can access a network of such devices on a multitude of planets and in space. SG-1 is an elite United States Air Force special operations team, one of about 20 teams from Earth who explore the galaxy and defend against alien threats such as the Goa'uld, the Replicators and the Ori. The series draws upon Egyptian mythology, Greek mythology, Norse mythology and Arthurian legend. It starred Richard Dean Anderson, Michael Shanks, Amanda Tapping, Christopher Judge, Don S. Davis, Corin Nemec, Ben Browder, Beau Bridges, and Claudia Black.

Usually Okay—Very well written show with intelligent (albeit "New age") stories. Yes, it is very secular and evolution is used as the scientific standard by which to use and compare. There are a lot of "new age" thought centered stories like: Alien seeding worlds, (including Earth), evolution of brain function, superior alien race that helps us get out of tough situations, etc… Overall, it’s a fictional sci-fi show that has never shown adult situations,nudity or course language.
Kim Jespersen, age 42
Usually Okay—One of television’s most imaginative and well-produced shows (not just for typical sci-fi fans), "Stargate SG-1" successfully mixes the down-to-Earth humor of Colonel Jack O’Neill (Richard Dean Anderson, “MacGyver”) with action and adventure. The show contains a typical amount of violence and mild language (though the series airs its first-run on Showtime, explicit profanities have only been uttered twice in the show’s 5-year history), and its portrayal of the classic good-vs.-evil struggle may not be suitable for young children. But the show’s themes are entirely in agreement with the Christian faith.

The Goa’uld are *not* portrayed as real-life gods or demons, but as alien parasites who came to Earth millenia ago and impersonated the deities of ancient Egyptian, Babylonian, Indian, and Norse mythologies (among others). SG-1 fights against this evil, and against the false religious structure that the Goa’uld have set up across the galaxy. (In the two-part "Jolinar’s Memories" and "The Devil You Know," the team does not go to Hell to meet the Devil—they go to a hellish moon called Netu, where the Goa’uld Sokar [who has assumed the personae of Satan] has imprisoned his enemies.)

I highly recommend "Stargate SG-1" as top-quality entertainment, for sci-fi fans and non-sci-fi fans alike!
Darren Sumner, age 26
Caution—I must say I love this show. I have always loved Science Fiction. While this show is usually OK I still think that Christians should take care whilst watching this show. Basically, it’s another good guys vs. bad guys show. I don’t really object to the fact that the Goa’uld are referred to as demons but I did wildly object to two certain episodes where SG-1 travelled to hell and met the Devil; that’s not on, and the reason I didn’t watch theses episodes. In addition I think I should point out to younger people who watch the show, i.e., 12 under, that the times when the baddies eyes flash may scare them.

One thing about the show that is the great sense of humour that O’ Neil has. He does occasionally swear but this shows me not to (which I don’t). This show is Usually Ok if you watch the next episode preview.
Colin, age 19
Comments from young people
Usually Okay—Stargate: SG-1, a take off of the 90’s film “Stargate” which features aliens called the Goa’uld who are parasites and take control of human hosts. The series is very well balanced, with a slightly arrogant but humorous Colonel who always draws a laugh from me, an archaeologist who studies the ruins from ancient civilizations that were taken from Earth as slaves to the Goa’uld, an astrophysicist, a turn coat Goa’uld slave.

The basic object of the story is to stop the Goa’uld from taking over Earth, in the meantime they meet strange alien races, many of them actual humans that were taken from Earth hundreds of years ago. Also Daniel Jackson’s wife Sha’re is turned into a Goa’uld, and Teal’C is forced to kill her to save Daniel. It has great humor through Colonel O’Neill, Samantha Carter, Daniel Jackson, Teal’C, General Hammond, and Janet Frasier CMO of the base. 99% of the time it is a great show, however keep in mind there is that other 1%. Also make sure that children do NOT watch the pilot it features full nudity.
Mikel, age 14
Avoid—As far as entertainment goes, this is good show. But, when you think about it, the entire show revolves around the point of the Goa’uld. They producers do a good job of portraying these creatures as evil, but they do it to the point that they are toying with demonology. Even on the show, the Goa’uld are often refered to as demons. I also disagree with the way that they use Biblical themes in their plots. It seems almost like they’re trying to "explain away" the supernatural events described in the Bible. I was a big fan of this show at one time. But, I now relize that this show really has some evil themes, demonic characters, & blasphemous plots.
Paul Miller, age 17
Caution—For the most part, this is a great show. It does have problems: the characters swear too much, and a couple of the characters do “sleep around,” though they usually pay for it. But the Goa’uld are very definitely portayed as false gods (Hammond, the General in charge of the Stargate project says that “this nation serves one God”). When Christianity is mentioned, they speak of it very positively.
Emily, age 16
Editor’s caution about a fundamental issue in “Stargate: SG-1”—Although this series is entertaining, followers of Christ should be alert about its continual promotion of ANCIENT ALIENS theory, because this is an issue that is truly deceiving a very great number of people, partly because it is presented as “scientific” and “archaeological” (both false claims). At its base, it is a lie being used by godless people to “scientifically” explain away Biblical miracles and events—and God Himself.

This tactic started with atheist author H.P. Lovecraft. Years later, this pseudo-scientific idea was famously promoted by Erich von Däniken (Chariots of the Gods) and others. This idea has particularly been used by some whose worldviews are New Age or Evolutionism/Atheism (or both).

The claim is that extraterrestrials with advanced technology came to Earth in ancient times and were mistaken for gods, angels and supernatural activity—and that out of these encounters with naive and unsophisticated humans (who misunderstood what they witnessed), humans began to worship these aliens—and the world’s religions (including Christianity) are the end result.

I have researched these claims in considerable depth, including attending von Däniken lectures. I am in agreement with many other researchers (both Christian and secular), the so-called evidence for this fantasy is filled with foolish errors and serious outright lies and deceptions.

Nonetheless, many sci-fi books, movies and TV shows have eagerly used and promoted what is essentially a dangerous Atheist-inspired worldview.

What difference does it make? When accepted, this pseudo-science leads people directly away from Biblical truth about Earth’s Creation, mankind’s place in God’s plan, Earth’s history of wicked rebellion against the Creator, and the record of His judgments. Inherent in this worldview is rejection of belief in God and the Bible. People are less likely to perceive their spiritually bankrupt state before God and are more unlikely to want—or listen to—the Gospel.

Entertainment dramas that use the ancient extraterrestrial encounters fantasy and thus promote it some extent…

  • Stargate
  • Prometheus
  • Knowing
  • Thor
  • “The X-Files”
  • Alien vs. Predator
  • Transformers: The Last Knight and most of the “Transformers” series
  • Outlander
  • The Fifth Element
  • Mission To Mars
  • “Star Trek” various episodes, including “Star Trek: The Next Generation—The Chase,” “Star Trek: The Next Generation—Who Watches the Watchers” —Gene Roddenberry, creator of “Star Trek” was an opponent of all beliefs in God
  • “2001: A Space Odyssey”—the monolith
  • “Earth: Final Conflict”
  • “Space: 1999”
  • “Quatermass and the Pit”

If nothing else, the mere CONSTANT REPETITION of this false view of history in entertainment media is causing it to become embedded in the minds of billions of people, making it somehow seem to them less ludicrous than it really is. Discerning Christians know that we and God have an Enemy who is the father of lies who seeks to deceive the whole world.

Star Trek: Deep Space Nine characters. Copyright © CBS Television Distribution.

Star Trek: Deep Space Nine 1993-99 (176 episodes)

An American science fiction series that centers on the formerly Cardassian space station Terok Nor / It frequently contained religious themes and dark, complex social themes and issues of war. Main characters included Captain Benjamin Sisko, Kira Nerys (a Bajoran), Odo (a Changeling), Quark (a Ferengi), Julian Bashir, Jadzia Dax (a Trill), Miles O'Brien, Worf (a Klingon), and Jake Sisko.

Usually Okay—I have watched Star Trek over the years. I must say that this newest version is the most thought provoking of all. The show is usually very moral. I have not seen any immoral episodes myself. There is occasional violence, but it’s usually star ships that explode, not humans. Sometimes aliens are shot with phasers, but that is the extent of the violence. The main point that fellow Christians may object to is the references to Commander Sisko as the Prophet. This though is something he himself doesn’t believe. It’s also the religion of another planet. So I believe that this show is definitely acceptable. Especially when compared to the other fare that TV has to offer.
Dennis Cassidy, age 22
Usually Okay—This show is occasionaly violent but it is never overt. DS9 heavily features the religion of the Bajorans. Even though it is not Christianity, the religious beliefs of the Bajorans are respected by the crew. There are also some instances of premarital sexual situations, but it does not play heavily into the show. I highly recommend it.
Amie, age 26
Usually Okay—“Star Trek: Deep Space Nine” is an amazing show and highly recommended for Christian Star Trek fans. 3 years after losing his wife to the Borg at the battle of Wolf 359, Commander Sisko struggles to forgive Captain Jean Luc Picard for his role in his wife’s death and to accept his role as commander of the space station Deep Space Nine that orbits a highly religious planet called Bajor recently ravished by a decades long occupation by a brutal and highly advanced race of people called Cardassians who are prejudice toward Bajorans and involved in a cold war against the federation. Sisko must navigate his role as not only commander of a space station, but also as a religious figure to the Bajorans. See all »
Ryan, age 19 (USA)
also see: Star Trek films… “First Contact” and “Insurrection
Star Trek: Voyager

Star Trek: Voyager 1995-2001 (172 episodes)

American science fiction television series / Set in the 24th century, when Earth is part of a United Federation of Planets, it follows the adventures of the Starfleet vessel USS Voyager as it attempts to return home after being stranded in the Delta Quadrant on the far side of the Milky Way galaxy. Stars include Kate Mulgrew (as Kathryn Janeway), Robert Beltran (Chakotay), Roxann Dawson (B'Elanna Torres), Jennifer Lien (Kes), Robert Duncan McNeill (Tom Paris), Ethan Phillips (Neelix), Robert Picardo (The Doctor), Tim Russ (Tuvok), Garrett Wang (Harry Kim), and Jeri Ryan (Seven of Nine).

Caution—I quite enjoy watching the Star Trek series, be it DS9, or Voyager, or the NG series or any of the movies. The one thing that is a problem though & that most reviews tend to omit is that the entire franchise heavily pushes evolution. Whenever a new species, or a new phenomenon is discovered, invariably we are told how the species evolved over millions of years, how many millions of years old this nebula is etc. It is a shame the series uses this abomination to the Lord in it because otherwise it would generally be good viewing.

I caution everyone to be on your guard when watching any Star Trek show & look for just how often Evolution crops up.
Michael Eggleton, age 29
Usually Okay— For the most part this show is acceptable. My wife and I often watch it. We have found ourselves discussing the implications of life on other planets and the possibility of time travel. I`ll let you draw the line where you would like.
Andrew Bailey, age 30
Star vs. The Forces of Evil

Star vs. the Forces of Evil 2015-19 (77 episodes)

American animated series that follows the adventures of Star Butterfly, a magical princess and young turbulent heir to the royal throne in the dimension of Mewni, who is sent to Earth to mellow her reckless behavior

There she befriends and becomes roommates with human Marco Diaz and begins a semi-normal life in Echo Creek, attending school and meeting new friends. Throughout the first season, the two travel to exotic dimensions using dimensional scissors while preventing the Mewman monster Ludo (Alan Tudyk) from stealing Star's magic wand. As the series progresses, Star and Marco meet new friends, take on new enemies, and travel to even more weird and wild dimensions.

Avoid—I tried to understand this TV show to see if it was unhealthy for my daughters. It is.

Things that are most problematic:
  • ritual magic modeling offering your soul to the darkness in exchange for destroying your enemy
  • literal demons being shown as friends, boyfriend material, and long-term-relationship material
  • modeling of teenage extremities as good according to the cool kids. Large scale involuntary vomiting after a party, in the episode due to physical illness, but innuendoed to look like from over-drinking.
  • Representing adults as fundamentally incompetent boops incapable of healthy decisions, or working in kids best interest.
  • I really didn’t like the anti-learning, anti-education bent. It is a great way to raise a generation of “fools” who contempt understanding.
  • It puts one foot into teenage sexually charged. The “muberty” hunting boys, and “abs” are not things I want my daughters getting curious about right now.
Things that were appealing:
  • Star (the main character) makes mistakes and learns from them. They are sometimes big.
  • The main male protagonist is not “in love” with Star.
  • The character is genuinely wild at heart. It is rare to see, and makes this damaged and over the edge of lost show more sad.
Other basic things:
  • modeling it as okay to “have one big last party” before “going to jail.” That idea is so destructive.
Michael M, age 42 (USA)
State of Grace

State of Grace 2001-02 (38 episodes)

American comedy-drama series

The show centers on two 12-year-old girls from very different backgrounds, Hannah and Grace, who are best friends. Hannah is from a middle class Jewish family and lives with her parents, her grandmother, and her uncle. Her parents are the owners of a furniture factory in the fictitious town of Ashmore, North Carolina, to where they have recently moved from Chicago. Grace is from a wealthy Catholic family and lives with her mother, a socialite. Typically, they are depicted as more intelligent, thoughtful, funny, and rebellious than other children of their age.

Comments from young people
Usually Okay—I really like [this show]. It’s about this girl who grew up in the 1960’s and now she’s all grown up looking back (kinda like The Wonder Years). They have some really good points and issues that people faced back then like racism and religion and being open about your feelings. I think it’s a good family show.
Heather, age 13
Steven Universe

Steven Universe 2013-19 (160 episodes)

American animated series created for Cartoon Network by Rebecca Sugar, an openly bisexual “non-binary” woman, who introduced her worldview into the series garnering acclaim from the LGBT organization GLAAD

Sugar said that she created the series’ Gems as non-binary women in order to express herself, as a “non-binary” woman, through them. She has discussed the importance of creating LGBT representation and content, especially in children’s entertainment, “I want to champion LGBTQIA, all of it, content… in G-Rated, family entertainment. I want to do that forever.”

The series is the coming-of-age story of a young boy, Steven Universe in the fictional town of Beach City. He explores the abilities inherited from his mother, which include fusion—the ability of Gems to merge their bodies and abilities to form new, more powerful personalities. A prominent theme of the series was portrayal of LGBTQ+ characters, nonbinary characters, gender fluidity, mental health, love and self-sacrifice. The character Garnet is a fusion of two gems, Ruby and Sapphire (a Lesbian relationship). In a 2020 interview creator/producer Sugar reported,

“We strategized the concept of fusion to be able to explore relationships and include queer relationships. Central to that, one of the things we were excited about was to have the character of Garnet have a ton of screen time and be a main character. There were a lot of things I wanted to explore with an active relationship to parallel my own relationship. I was inventing these characters with my co-executive producer Ian Jones-Quartey, who is also my partner. We wanted to explore an active, queer relationship that would parallel a lot of our experiences with bigotry as an interracial couple.”

The Crystal Gems live in an ancient beachside temple and protect humanity from monsters and other threats. The Gems are ageless alien warriors who project female humanoid forms from magical gemstones at the core of their being. The Crystal Gems comprise Garnet, Amethyst, Pearl and Steven—a young, half-human, half-Gem boy who inherited his gemstone from his mother, the Crystal Gems’ former leader Rose Quartz. As Steven tries to understand his gradually expanding range of powers, he spends his days with his father Greg, his best friend Connie, his magical pet lion, other residents of Beach City, and the Gems.

The series gradually reveals that the Crystal Gems are remnants of a great interstellar empire and are cut off from their homeworld. Steven learns that many of the monsters and artifacts they encounter are Gems who were corrupted by a Gem weapon of mass destruction and can no longer maintain rational, humanoid form. Steven learns that, millennia ago, the Gem empire intended to sterilize the Earth to incubate new Gems, but Rose Quartz led her supporters, the Crystal Gems, in a violent and apparently successful rebellion against this genocidal plan.

StrangerThings

Stranger Things 2016-22 (34 episodes)

American science fiction horror drama television series created by the Duffer Brothers and released on Netflix

“Stranger Things” is set in the fictional rural town of Hawkins, Indiana, during the 1980s. The nearby Hawkins National Laboratory ostensibly performs scientific research for the United States Department of Energy, but secretly does experiments into the paranormal and supernatural, including those that involve human test subjects. Inadvertently, they have created a portal to an alternate dimension, "the Upside Down". The influence of the Upside Down starts to affect the unknowing residents of Hawkins in calamitous ways.

Cast has included: Winona Ryder (as Joyce Byers), David Harbour (as Jim Hopper), Finn Wolfhard (as Mike Wheeler), Millie Bobby Brown (Eleven / Jane Hopper), Gaten Matarazzo, Caleb McLaughlin, Natalia Dyer, Charlie Heaton, Cara Buono, Matthew Modine, Noah Schnapp, Sadie Sink, Joe Keery, Dacre Montgomery, Sean Astin, Paul Reiser, Maya Hawke, Priah Ferguson, and Brett Gelman

Strong Caution— According to “Stranger Things” authority, values dispensable… Unfortunately, Season 4 of “Stranger Things” has descended to a base level of darkness that has parents, grandparents and guardians of the innocent casting the program out of homes, schools, etc., and questioning whether the show has the proper rating attached to it. In addition to gruesome imagery and intensely aggressive behavior, Season 4 of the streaming series contains inappropriate sexual scenes and unnecessary profanity. …graphic torture scenes, some involving child victims…
Survivor

Survivor 2000-____

A reality-television franchise with numerous international versions / The show features a group of contestants deliberately marooned in an isolated location, where they must provide food, water, fire, and shelter for themselves. The contestants compete in challenges for rewards and immunity from elimination. The contestants are progressively eliminated from the game as they are voted out by their fellow-contestants until only one remains to be awarded the grand prize and named the “Sole Survivor.”

Avoid—…I’m not a Christian, but this particular piece of garbage is antithetical to everything I respect about Christianity. It looks for conflict, and asks that people accept its premise that, in cases where people have to struggle against the elements, "the strong survive," which translates into profound selfishness. These people, of course, undergo a carefully manipulated deprivation of creature comforts, and the aim is to win a lot of money by eliminating the competition—but this doesn’t change the fact that the whole point is about creating as much conflict as possible. I’d like to think—and I’d like to teach my children—that in cases of REAL deprivation, the best teachings of our culture (teachings which include those of Christianity) would mean that people band together, shore up the weak, and work towards caring for each other.
Hartling
also see: Star Trek films… “First Contact” and “Insurrection
Tenchi Muyo!

Tenchi Muyo! 1992-____

also known as “Enchi Muyô!”

Every man needs a good woman. Tenchi Masaki has six. This Japanese anime series franchise includes “Tenchi Universe,” “Tenchi in Tokyo,” “Tenchi Muyo! GXP,” and “Ai Tenchi Muyo!”

Caution—It’s an interesting anime, although I haven’t watched it much. I watched most of Tenchi Universe. It was pretty fun, and the story is complex. I like that. The plot is that there are a bunch of girls from another Universe/ dimension/ planet: Ryoko, Iyaka, Sasami, Kiyone, Mihoshi, Washuu, and they are all living at a house owned by Tenchi (the guy)’s father. Tenchi is a sweet guy who always tries to do the right thing (he has a good conscience). His father let they girls stay, but they are constantly fighting (Or at least Ryoko vs. Iyeka and Kiyone vs. Mihoshi).

Iyeka is the princess of Jurai (the planet where she’s from), and doesn’t believe Ryoko is good enough for Tenchi because she’s a space pirate (and also a “demon” or oni in Japanese, which can actually be taken as a pun concerning Ryoko’s mean nature.

In Japanese, if you call a woman an oni or "devil-woman" it’s like calling her the B-word.), and so they constantly fight. Although Tenchi seems to delight is the sweet, polite, child-like nature of Sasami, and tries very hard to avoid conflicts. What’s a guy to do?

Washuu (my favorite) is the mad scientist who might like Tenchi, but she has better things to do in her lab than fight over him. I believe she’s afraid of having a broken heart. Kiyone and Mihoshi are the Galaxy Police who are after Ryoko the space pirate, but Mihoshi is so bubble-headed that she ruins everything, and eventually they give up trying to capture her.

It is not intended for children, but for teens and adults, and does have some objectional things. Especially since it’s meant to be a romance/sci-fi comedy. Note the “romance” part. It’s interesting that it shows some aspects of everyday Japanese life (sleeping on the floor, eating Japanese food with chopsticks, the polite character of Tenchi, and in the “Tenchi in Tokyo” series, they did a good job portraying Japan and what it looks like). Very Japanese.

The characters are well thought up, the story is interesting, sometimes it makes you think…
Yomiko Moroboshi

Thanks 1999 (6 episodes)

Thanks

American sitcom

Comments from young people
Usually Okay— “Thanks” is a comedy about Puritans in 1620’s Plymouth. It makes fun of the Puritans, but it doesn’t make fun of Christianity. For a prime time show, it is extremely clean. There’s no cursing, violence, or sex. This show has gotten some bad reviews, but I pray that it is renewed for the fall season.
Josh Johnson, age 18
That 70's Show.

That 70’s Show 1998-2006 (200 episodes)

American period sitcom about the lives of six teenage friends living in fictional Point Place, Wisconsin / Main characters: Eric Forman (by Topher Grace), Jackie Burkhart (Mila Kunis), Michael Kelso (Ashton Kutcher) and others.

Avoid—Sex, sex, and then sex. How to get it, what it would be like, who “puts out,” how to hide it from parents, etc. All very funny, I grant you, and set in ridiculously tacky 70’s decor. But basically it’s just about sex. The mother figure is a “church lady” and a “do-gooder” and she is seen as well-meaning but completely out of touch with reality. If you want into the locker rooms and basements of hormone-ridden teens with bad haircuts, this is the show for you!
Elizabeth, age 27
Caution—This is a comedy on Fox that is, obviously set in the mid-1970’s. The plot mainly deals with a group of 6 teens and, for the most part the parents of two of them. It is very well-cast, and probably a pretty accurate representation of (some) teens of that time. For the most part, it is well done, although it can be hit & miss some of the time. Plots sometimes deal with pot use and underage teen sex involvements, so it is, in my opinion, strictly for adults.
male, age 44
Usually Okay—Good writing, very original for a sitcom. This group of high school friends in the 1970’s really care about each other and look out for one another. The boyfriend-girlfriend relationships are portrayed with respect, sensitivity, and are often poignant. Authoritarian father Red was shocking at first, a "My word is the law!" kind of guy, very hard on his son Eric (often calls him “dumbass” to his face!) The foreign guy in the group is fully accepted, good lesson in tolerance. Hippie-looking Hyde is a raise-yourself-up-by-the-bootstraps example. The mom, Mrs. Forman, has an unforgettable voice and is the funniest, also the best actress. One of my favorite shows on commercial TV.
Terry, age 38
Comments from young people
Avoid—This show is really funny, in my opinion…but for teenagers and kids under 14…better avoid this comedy. Everyone, especially the Mexican (I think) guy is always cracking crude jokes…
Heather, age 15
That's My Bush!

That's My Bush! 2001

American sitcom created by Trey Parker and Matt Stone, best known for creating “South Park” / The series was conceived in the wake of the 2000 presidential election, between George W. Bush and Al Gore. Parker and Stone were sure that Gore would win the election, and tentatively titled the show “Everybody Loves Al.” However, due to the controversy regarding the election's outcome, the series was pushed back. Instead, the show was then plotted around Bush at the workplace. The series centered on the fictitious personal life of President George W. Bush, played by Timothy Bottoms. Carrie Quinn Dolin played Laura Bush, and Kurt Fuller played Karl Rove. Episodes dealt with deliberate heavy handedness with topics such as abortion, gun control, the war on drugs, drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, and the death penalty.

Avoid—This show was created by Trey Parker and Matt Stone, the men responsible for the crude "South Park". It is a parody of 1950s and 1960s sitcoms, using President Bush and wife Laura, as targets of jokes. The humor ranges from gross-out to raunchy. Definitely NOT for kids or anyone who voted for the President.
Hillari Hunter, age 39
3rd Rock from the Sun

3rd Rock from the Sun 1996-2001 (139 episodes)

American sitcom series about four extraterrestrials who are on an expedition to Earth, the third planet from the Sun, which they consider to be a very insignificant planet / The extraterrestrials pose as a human family in the fictional city of Rutherford, Ohio to observe the behavior of human beings. The series starred John Lithgow, Kristen Johnston, French Stewart, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Jane Curtin, Simbi Khali, Elmarie Wendel and Wayne Knight.

Comments from young people
Avoid—This show is rather humorous, at times. This, however, will not compensate for the sexual innuendos and other asides referring to sex. This used to be a despicable show for me to watch, but then I started to like it. This is a trap for Christians to get caught in. If you let your morals down for an instant, the devil will trap you. The Lord forgive us the times we don’t stand strong and remember that this world is NOT our home. It is not worth the risk of your relationship with God over a TV show. This may sound “over-dramatic,” but we must not forget the devil is attempting to get us in every avenue. Let’s keep our minds and hearts pure—Just don’t watch it.
Barrett Hertel, age 17

Touched by an Angel 1994-2003 (211 episodes)

Touched By An Angel. Copyright 2001 CBS.

24 2001–2010

24 logo

Twice in a Lifetime 1999-2001 (44 episodes)

Twice in a Lifetime

Canadian mystery/drama series / The series follows an aspiring angel who for some reason, will not enter heaven, but is assigned to guide someone who has died prematurely. The prematurely deceased, played by the episode guest stars, may choose from the afterlife to correct something that went wrong earlier in their life. Episodes center on an individual who has reached the end of their life in one timeline, and due to circumstances seen by their advocate and judge, is then given 3 days to travel into their past, and without revealing their true identity, convince their younger self to make a different choice at a pivotal point to effect a different outcome for example, by quitting smoking, or choosing a different job and in changing this learn a key lesson to make them become a better person.

Avoid—This is a pseudo-religious piece of fuzzy thinking, and the main premise is that after you have died in your sins, you can go back and get a “do-over.” The “guide” character is a guy who is working off his own misdeeds by helping others in their afterlife, and he is always successful in persuading "The Boss Upstairs" to send back the (often unrepentant) dead people to Earth to try again. The one cheesy moral theme is that our actions affect others and influence the outcome of our lives. Aside from any moral objections, I just find this show to be predictable, over-sentimental, and poorly acted. Sorry!
nElizabeth, age 27
Usually Okay—This show is the only show where our Heavenly Father is mentioned. It’s a show where a different character in every episode is allowed to go back in time and convince his/her younger self to make the right decision. Mr Smith is the one who is sent along like some sort of angel but he isn’t an angel. There is no profanity and no sexual situations. It is a very good show with the message that, every choice we make can really change our path in life and we must always do what is good. I love this show.
Jessica Albieri, age 26
Twin Peaks

Twin Peaks 1990-1991, 2017 (48 episodes)

American horror mystery drama series

The series follows an investigation, headed by FBI Special Agent Dale Cooper (Kyle MacLachlan) and local Sheriff Harry S. Truman (Michael Ontkean), into the murder of homecoming queen Laura Palmer (Sheryl Lee) in the fictional town of Twin Peaks, Washington. The show's narrative draws on elements of detective fiction, but its uncanny tone, supernatural elements, and campy, melodramatic portrayal of eccentric characters also draws from American soap opera and horror tropes. Like much of Lynch's work, it is distinguished by surrealism, offbeat humor, and distinctive cinematography.

Avoid—I’ve never said this about any other TV show, but there are story lines and scenes in this series (especially during the second season) that are demonically inspired. The high production quality and great music in this show makes that fact even more distressing.
Christopher Heyn
Two Girls, A Guy, and a Pizza Place

Two Girls, A Guy, and a Pizza Place 1998-2001 (81 episodes)

also known as “Two Guys and a Girl”

This American sitcom series stars Ryan Reynolds as Michael Leslie “Berg” Bergen, Richard Ruccolo as Peter “Pete” Dunville, and Traylor Howard as campus beauty Sharon Carter (later Carter-Donnelly). In the first two seasons, Berg, a slacker, works at a Boston pizza parlor, Beacon Street Pizza, with Pete. They both attend Tufts University, with Sharon, who after graduation, works as the spokesperson (or apologist) for Immaculate Chemicals.

Caution—I enjoy this show, although the characters do have some immoral relationships. They don’t usually discuss sexual topics and the fact that the character Johnny wants to marry Sharon and not just live with her is refreshing. I’m just glad they don’t have a homosexual character (at least not yet).
Sarah, age 23
Veronica’s Closet

Veronica’s Closet 1997-2000 (66 episodes)

American sitcom series starring Kirstie Alley as Veronica “Ronnie” Chase, the head of her own lingerie company that also sells other bedroom accessories in New York City / Veronica has made a living being known as the “Queen of Romance.” Her husband Bryce, played by Christopher McDonald, regularly cheats on her, though she always takes him back because of the image she has created. However, after another tryst, Veronica decides to leave him and begins her life as a single woman.

She is championed by her best friend and Chief Financial Officer Olive Massery, played by Kathy Najimy, and her father Pat Chase, played by Robert Prosky, who is also her chauffeur. She also works with Perry Rollins, played by Dan Cortese, a former thong model who is her publicist; her assistant Josh Blair, played by Wallace Langham, and Leo Michaels, played by Darryl “Chill” Mitchell.

Avoid—What a pitiful excuse for entertainment. I was disgusted by the language, sexual innuendo, and acceptance of homosexuality. What a waste of a time slot. Don’t waste your time on this one and especially don’t let your children!
Kelli, age 24
Walker Texas Ranger

Walker, Texas Ranger 1993-2001 (200 episodes)

The Waltons 1972-1981 (221 episodes)

The Waltons

American drama series about a family in rural Virginia during the Great Depression and World War II / This series was created by Earl Hamner Jr., based on his 1961 book Spencer's Mountain and the 1963 film of the same name. The story is about the family of John Walton Jr. (known as John-Boy): his six siblings, his parents John and Olivia Walton, and paternal grandparents Zebulon “Zeb” and Esther Walton. John-Boy is the oldest of the children (17 years old in the beginning),[5] who becomes a journalist and novelist. Each episode is narrated at the opening and closing by a middle-aged John Jr. (voiced by author Earl Hamner on whom John-Boy is based). John Sr. manages to eke out a living for his family by operating a lumber mill with his sons' help as they grow older. The family income is augmented by some small-scale farming, and John occasionally hunts to put meat on the table. In the simpler days of their country youth, all of the children are rambunctious and curious, but as times grow tough, the children slowly depart from the innocent, carefree days of walking everywhere barefoot while clad in overalls and hand-sewn pinafores, and into the harsh, demanding world of adulthood and responsibility.

The series stars Richard Thomas, Ralph Waite, Michael Learned, Ellen Corby, Will Geer, Judy Norton, Jon Walmsley, Mary Elizabeth McDonough, Eric Scott, David W. Harper, Kami Cotler, Peggy Rea, Joe Conley, Ronnie Claire Edwards and Leslie Winston, and is narrated by Earl Hamner Jr.

Usually Okay—With the reruns on TNN, I am re-discovering a wonderful show I watched in my childhood. The episodes are always inspiring and encouraging. What a change from all the immorality both in the real world and in television land.
Sheila, age 32
WCW Thunder

WCW Thunder 1998-2001 (156 episodes)

also known as “Thunder”

An American professional wrestling show produced by World Championship Wrestling (WCW)

Avoid—I grew up on wrestling and I love it. Unfortunately, wrestling has gone from being family entertainment and is now an adult sexfest with vulgar language and subjugation of women. I have been trying unsuccessfully to quit watching it. Don’t let children watch this; they’ll pick up the bad language in no time. I feel that my wrestling-watching is really interfering in my relationship with the Lord. Don’t be like me. Turn the channel!
L, age 22
Caution—Violence: it has some blood and people hitting other people with bats and chairs.
David (Mickeyden) Nixon, age 29
The Weakest Link

A game show in which a group of contestants (ranging from five to nine players) who will need to work as a team to try and win as much of a maximum cash jackpot by correctly answering general-knowledge questions in a series of rapid-fire rounds

Usually Okay—I find this show very demeaning to the participants and viewers. It is cut-throat in nature and promotes mean-spiritedness and emnity between the participants. The sharp-tongued hostess is cold and cutting to the participants, an act, no doubt, but it is being done in such a way as to make it seem not only acceptable, but actually “cool”. A very confusing message for younger viewers. For adults with the stomach to watch such rancor, it’s probably interesting, even amusing. I personally don’t find it to be enjoyable entertainment.
P Tropepe, age 41
Comments from young people
Caution—This new spin on trivia shows means that the TV audience has definitely enjoyed watching other people suffer. The host Anne Robinson always puts the players down. On the other hand I like the way its laid out. A few questions they could leave out but it is a good setup except for the host. If they got a kinder host who didn’t put down the contestants all the time maybe I’d watch it regularly. But I think this is one you can avoid.
Clint, age 13
The West Wing

The West Wing 1999-2006 (156 episodes)

Whose Line Is It Anyway? American version: 1998–2007, 2013–____

Whose Line Is It Anyway?

A short-form improvisational comedy show

Caution—They can be really funny…but there isn’t an episode that is squeaky clean! But the stars in Whose Line Is It Anyway are very spontaneous and very talented (especially the singing part)! I’ll never miss an episode, if I can…I am totally blown away by their awesome sense of humour and impromptu acts!
Grace, age 18
Caution—This show has been a favorite of mine especially since it crossed over to America and the host was changed to Drew Carey. From songs made up from off the top of their heads to comical situations done with acting and sound effects, this is a widely hilarious show. However, at times, subtle but blatant adult jokes are made and would be inappropriate for children to watch. Overall, they have made an effort to keep it clean although they do tend to slip from time to time.
Ben Webb, age 18
Usually Okay—This show has some bad language and innuendo, but as I long as the viewers are over 13 or so, I think it’s okay. I absolutely love this show and get a hysterical laugh out of it every time I watch it. The improv performers here are truly gifted!
Carl, age 18
Caution—Four comedic actors fed by suggestions from host Drew Carey and members of the audience perform made up on-the-spot improvisational comedy routines. Usually very funny, but the actors often do and say things that could be considered in poor taste. Would not recommend that kids younger than fourteen watch this show.
Hillari Hunter, age 39
Cast from 'Will and Grace'. Copyright NBC.

Will & Grace 1998-2020 (246 episodes)

The Wonder Years 1988-1993 (115 episodes)

The Wonder Years

American coming-of-age comedy-drama depicting the social and family life of a boy in a typical American suburban middle-class family, covering the ages of 12 through 17 / The series stars Fred Savage as Kevin Arnold, a teenager growing up in a suburban middle-class family. Dan Lauria plays his father Jack, Alley Mills his mother Norma, Jason Hervey his brother Wayne, Olivia d'Abo as sister Karen, Josh Saviano as his best friend Paul Pfeiffer, and Danica McKellar as his girlfriend Winnie Cooper.

Usually Okay—"The Wonder Years" is one of the best shows I have ever seen. It is about Kevin Arnold, a normal kid growing up in the 60’s and 70’s. In this show there are times when you will laugh till you cry and also times where you really think about serious things. It truly pictures a childs mind while growing up. A must see! It is on every weekday on Nick at Nite. Don’t miss it!
Kelly, age 43
Comments from young people
Usually Okay—I’m only 17 years old and I love to watch "The Wonder Years". It’s a quality show with learning times, laughing times, and crying times. At any age level, you can really relate to Kevin Arnold.
Kelsey Luhn, age 17
The X-Files

The X-Files 1993-2002 (218 episodes)

American science fiction suspense drama series revolving around Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) special agents Fox Mulder (David Duchovny), and Dana Scully (Gillian Anderson) who investigate X-Files—marginalized, unsolved cases involving paranormal phenomena. Mulder believes in the existence of aliens and the paranormal while Scully, a medical doctor and a skeptic, is assigned to scientifically analyze Mulder's discoveries, offer alternate rational theories to his work, and thus return him to mainstream cases.

Caution—"The X Files" is most definitely not a family show. That said, it is probably my favorite show on television right now. I would not recommend it for children because it is violent and often deals with the occult. Most children would see the startling visuals but not understand the intelligent dialogue. This would leave them frightened and confused. However, I would recommend the "X-Files" to adults and older teens who like sci-fi. Yes, there are times when Christianity is mocked (by Mulder, but not Scully). Other “beings” sometimes clearly satanic, sometimes not, are given God-like power. But, on the "X Files", good is clearly good and evil is clearly evil. The people are multi-dimensional and as flawed as real people. There are many great springboards for discussion about things spiritual in the "X Files" which certainly make it worthwhile viewing.
Tess, age 27
Caution—I believe that this is one of the best series on television today (which isn’t saying much, I admit). The two main characters, Mulder and Scully have absolutely perfect chemistry when onscreen together. David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson make these characters come alive. As far as writing goes, it has its on days and its off days, but for the most part it is brilliantly written. While there are on occassion an episode dealing with the occult or witchcraft, it is rarely projected in a positive manner, almost always showing the occult to be dangerous and evil.

The mytharc (alien/conspiracy) episodes are the main focus of the series, and while I believe that (in the real world) aliens are actually demonic (when not simply natural phenomenon), this series does portray the alien conspiracy in an intelligent manner (albeit, often in an Evolutionary manner, but we got enough of that in school anyway, and parents should have educated their children in the truth of this matter long before they are able to watch television).

All in all, I highly recommend this series to adults and young adults who enjoy a thinking show, but I advise caution as to allowing children to view this program. If they do, make certain that a parent is with them to explain certain things to them about what they see.
Drew Costen, age 22
Usually Okay—I like the X Files. Although they sometimes deal with paranormal issues, they don’t bestow the credit of truth upon them. Nobody really knows where Chris Carter is taking the show but that’s the fun of it. The two main characters are attractive people who share a close friendship, but though they’re of the opposite sex, there’s nothing sexual about their relationship. It’s just an intelligent show about interesting subjects with interesting characters played by interesting people. I guess the only fault would be the occasional tv-level cursing, and Mulder’s deification of his vast intellect.
Grant, age 26
Caution—There are things about this show that are worrisome. It does seem to feed the paranoia of the age by endorsing the plot theory of history. To Mulder, nothing is what it seems and all events are manipulated by a small elite corps of conspirators. On the other hand, Scully is a joy. She’s smart and analytical, takes her faith seriously, takes evil seriously. She’s loyal, industrious, chaste and a great role model for my daughters.
Paul Waters, age 51
Avoid—Although many of the opinions expressed about the X-Files refer to the quality of the writing and other production aspects of the show, one cannot overlook the blatant occult messages presented in this program. I have viewed only about three full episodes and found the shows content definitely not for Christian viewing. On one notable episode, the subject matter dealt with Voodoo and transmutation. In another episode (and apparently many of the other shows) deal with extraterrestrials. Christians need to be aware that these “extraterrestrials” are actually inter dimensional beings that the Bible has clearly identified as demons…
Todd Warren
Neutral—I’m afraid I must take exception to the statement made by Mr. Warren that aliens are "actually inter-dimensional beings that the Bible has clearly identified as demons…". The Bible doesn’t say anything about life on other planets, and some might interpret its silence on the matter as proof that aliens don’t exist. Fair enough. Some then might make the argument that many of the reported sightings of aliens are actually demonic manifestations. That may be a valid conclusion, but it’s still only *your conclusion*; don’t tell me that "the Bible says that aliens are demons," because it says no such thing. Furthermore, it’s meaningless to say that the aliens in the "X-Files" are really demons.

In the context of the show, they’re really aliens. So maybe aliens don’t really exist; so what? It’s a TV-show, not Real Life. The "X-Files" has flaws, to be sure. The language is a bit strong at times, it has a fair amount of violence and gore, and some episodes have occultic or psychic themes which bother me. But the aliens don’t bother me. If aliens bother you, I don’t know why you’d be watching this show in the first place. I don’t care for sports, but I don’t go around bad-mouthing ESPN.
Matthew Rees, age 23
Caution—Yes, there is some gore. However, one thing that has been left out in the discussion, is one of the character’s return to Christianity. Dana Scully was raised Catholic, left her faith, but has now returned. Now, I don’t agree with many of Catholism’s tenets, I find it interesting that the makers of the X-Files would weave this plot line in. Also, religious people are generally not made fun of or ridiculed. This show is much less violent than Walker, Texas Ranger.
David Percival, age 40
Caution—There is a running theme throughout the series having to do with Scully’s belief in God. She is the most credible character in the series, and showing her dealing honestly with her faith, weak though it is, adds a redeeming quality to a show which otherwise is skeptical about God.
Jim Evans, age 39
Avoid—Sorry… it’s a quality show on many levels--writing, direction, cinematography--but its main goal is to scare the living daylights out of its audience, and that plus the high level of gore doesn’t make for great family viewing.
Christopher Heyn
Usually Okay—The X-Files is a great relief from mindless sitcoms. It stimulates the mind and makes people think. While it may not be suitable for young children because of some violence and scary material, there is little reference to sex and minimal swearing. Unlike many television shows today. The story lines are intelligently written and the show will keep you on the edge of your seat. If you like science fiction this is definitely the show for you.
Melinda Stilson, age 21
Usually Okay—…While dealing with many subjects that many Christians may find offensive, the show always presents multiple viewpoints on the topics and problems at hand. Having two characters like Mulder and Scully allows for this: the best and most interesting aspect of the show is the character development between the two. As a Christian I have no problem viewing The X-Files.
Steven Krawczyk, age 20
Comments from young people
Caution—The X-Files is an extremely well written and directed show. Its very entertaining and thought provoking. It can be gory, so it’s not for young kids. One of the main characters, Dana Scully, is a great role model. She’s no ditz in a short skirt. Unlike many women TV characters, she uses her intelligence and confidence to get though life.
Ali, age 14
Usually Okay—While sometimes violent and a little creepy, this show challenges me to think about life, faith, and truth. I don’t believe the show should be viewed by young children, but I think for discerning Christians it can be a thought-provoking and interesting show.
Jessica, age 18
also see: movie review

You Gotta See This! (ESPN)

Avoid—A sports-based reality show, comprised of video clips of accidents that happen to people. Not for the squeamish.
Hillari Hunter, age 39
Yu-Gi-Oh

Yu-Gi-Oh 1998 (27 episodes)

Japanese anime series about Yugi Mutou, a timid young boy who loves all sorts of games, but is often bullied. One day, he solves an ancient puzzle known as the Millennium Puzzle, causing his body to play host to a mysterious spirit with the personality of a gambler. From that moment on, whenever Yugi or one of his friends is threatened by those with darkness in their hearts, this other Yugi shows himself and challenges them to dangerous Shadow Games (“Games of Darkness”) which reveal the true nature of someone's heart. The losers of these contests often being subjected to a dark punishment called a Penalty Game. Whether it be cards, dice, or role-playing board games, he will take on challenges from anyone, anywhere. As the series progresses, Yugi and his friends learn that this person inside of his puzzle is actually the spirit of a nameless Pharaoh from Ancient Egyptian times, who had lost his memories. As Yugi and his companions attempt to help the Pharaoh regain his memories, they find themselves going through many trials as they wager their lives facing off against gamers that wield the mysterious Millennium Items and the dark power of the Shadow Games.

Caution—A Pokémon-esque show revolving around a young boy who has learned of a new card game. The show revolves around battles simulated in an arena using various “monsters” and “demons” to battle each other. It also is your typical good vs evil type show, where there are 7 mythical relics from ancient Egypt that give the user of that relic the ability to become one with a former life. The show is neither bloody, nor sexually driven. There is minor violence, but that is usually contained to the simulated monsters and a few over aggressive characters. The show has a moderately good storyline and animation. Aimed more so at younger viewers (12-18), it isn’t horrid enough to be viewed by children, and can contain some interest for adults.
Gothmog, age 21
Caution—I would have to disagree with the other viewer. While this show is geared towards older kids and obviously employs pagan elements (the monsters in the cards, the Millenium items, references to ancient Egypt), it has some themes that are compatible with Christianity (sort of like “The Lord of the Rings”). When Yugi duels, he employs a strategy called “The Heart of the Cards.” It involves having faith in your own strengths and abilities and especially caring for others.

The fact that Pegasus snatches Yugi’s Grandpa’s soul makes Yugi fight in the Tournament for someone else rather than for the selfish reasons of other players. One duelist is in the game for the prize money, while another wants revenge on Pegasus. Yugi’s friend Joey enters the tournament to win the prize money to save his sister’s eyesight. Throughout the series, Yugi and Joey’s “Heart of the Cards” philosophy clashes with Seto Kaiba’s cutthroat methods of dueling by using strong monsters or even ripping up other people’s cards…
James, age 22
Usually Okay—Unlike many other “children’s” animated television (Dragon Ball Z being a prime example), this lacks person-to-person violence and actually has a story. Main character displays responsibility and demonstrates great caring for his lost grandfather. No, a person can’t use cards to battle for someone’s soul, but it does teach that evil can take someone’s soul and that it’s important to guard the soul.
Eleanor, age 41
Comments from young people
Avoid—Now, I see “Pokémon” as more of a soap opera than a Satanic recruiting tool, and would rate *that* “Usually OK.” But “Yu-Gi-Oh” runneth over with the occult. They play with cards like in Magic: the Gathering, but that’s only part of why I condemn it.

There are seven Millennium items, and each one contains a spirit, supposedly from ancient Egypt (the sorcery of Pharaoh, anyone?). The spirits all are great players, but they will do anything, and I mean ANYTHING, to win. Yugi (the hero) was barely able to keep his spirit from pushing his opponent of a cliff (the only way he could win; he went into shock after realizing what almost happened).

I would not recommend this to anyone who hates Pokémon, Magic, or demonic possession. Oh, as an afterthought, there’s a bit of “soul-stealing” involved too, thanks to the spirits of the Millennium items.
Michael, age 16