Fun archaeological adventures with a spooky twist.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Violence & Scariness
some
Creepy paranormal creatures try to hurt the main characters, but the heroes always get away in the nick of time. The main characters are often in peril and show signs of distress. There's a fair bit of spooky music and dark imagery, and some mild jump scares. A main plot point is that the family's dad has been frozen into a statue, so the kids are worried about never seeing their dad alive again. Weapons like a spiky mace are used against the creatures, but there's no blood or gore. Pushing and shoving during conflicts.
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Positive messaging about treating different cultures with respect, and trying to right wrongs of the past. Other positive messages around the importance of family, even when your siblings annoy you sometimes.
Positive Role Models
a lot
Lead characters Pandora and Russ are teen siblings who aren't perfect but are trying to do the right thing. They engage in sibling squabbles, but they put their differences aside to do what's right for their family. They, along with their mom Sky, show a tremendous amount of courage and integrity, going on dangerous missions to try to right the wrongs of the past.
Diverse Representations
a lot
The main characters are a family with a white Dad and a Black mom, and biracial children. A major plot point is about how archaeologists with eurocentric viewpoints stealing important antiquities from other cultures was wrong. There's great gender representation: Mom Sky and sister Pandora are strong, brave, outspoken women who have counterstereotypical hobbies and interests. Teenager Russ has nerdy science hobbies and no teenage boy bravado.
Some potential for learning about the places and cultures the family visits on their adventures.
Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Curses! is an animated adventure series about a cursed family. While characters are strong, diverse role models who demonstrate courage and integrity, there's definitely some scariness and violence. Creepy paranormal creatures try to hurt the main characters, but the heroes always get away in the nick of time. Weapons like a spiky mace are used against the creatures, but there's no blood or gore. Expect a fair bit of spooky music and dark imagery, plus some mild jump-scares. A main plot point is that the family's dad has been frozen into a statue, so the kids are worried about never seeing him alive again. There's some pushing and shoving during conflicts. Kids who like a bit of spookiness mixed with adventure are likely to love Curses!, which also has positive messages about treating different cultures with respect and trying to right wrongs of the past.
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What's the Story?
In CURSES!, teenagers Pandora (Gabrielle Neveah) and her brother Russ (Andre Robinson) are growing up in a creepy old manor filled with priceless ancient artifacts. They don't understand their archeologist father's strange behavior until one day, he goes missing. Pandora and Russ discover that their family is cursed due to the actions of their great-great-great grandfather, who stole precious artifacts from cultures around the world. The artifacts in the house are cursed, and the entire Vanderhouven family is cursed. The siblings make the horrifying discovery that their dad has been frozen into a statue. Unless they can return all the cursed artifacts to their rightful owners, Pandora and Russ will eventually meet the same fate. Pandora, Russ, and their mom Sky (Lyric Lewis) set off on an epic quest around the world to right their ancestor's wrongs and save their family.
This is a super fun show for big kids who don't mind some mild spine-tingling moments. The Curses! premise will keep kids hooked with elements of mystery, paranormal creatures, adventure, and history all swirled into one show. The main characters are compelling and will feel relatable to kids (especially those who find their siblings slightly annoying at times). While the show is spooky and places the characters in peril, there's ample comedic relief from sidekicks Larry and Stanley, two walking and talking paranormal artifacts. The show also explores global cultures and introduces themes of conquest and colonialism in a kid-friendly way. Curses! is a delightful watch for tweens and their families alike.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the integrity the Vanderhouvens have in Curses! They spend a lot of time trying to correct the wrongs of their ancestors. Do you think people should be responsible for their family members' mistakes? Why or why not?
Pandora, Russ, and Sky show a lot of courage as they try to rescue Dad. Do you think you'd be brave enough to face the same scary creatures they take on?
How do you think the theme of this show applies to museums? Do you think it's right for precious artifacts to be taken from countries and displayed elsewhere? Why, or why not? Who gets to decide?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
suggesting a diversity update.
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
By Ashley Moulton
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
