There’s a new zombie series to check out, only this one isn’t quite your usual zombie show. Revival focuses on a small town, where the dead have come back to life, and they have the same memories and personalities as they did before death.
This series brings up some important social topics, including segregation. It’s easy to push people out of a social circle because you don’t understand who they are or what’s happened to them, and this is something Revival does and so much more.
On top of all of this, there’s a murder mystery. The victim is alive, and she needs to figure out who killed her and why. With nobody else with knowledge that she died, she’s able to pass as a member of the living, which gives her another insight into this crazy world.
Revival age rating: Explaining the TV-14 rating
The new series is officially rated TV-14, but I think it’s aimed more at the older teens and adults. There are some gruesome moments, as the series takes advantage of the 10 p.m. ET/PT time slot on Syfy.
Sex & nudity: During the very first episode, we see Dana hooking up with a man she has just met. This takes place after Revival Day, and while there is no nudity, it’s clear what she would like to do in her car. This is even in the middle of the street!
Violence & gore: This is where the series earns its age rating. There is a major fight scene at the end of the first episode, which sees a character stabbed through the stomach with a scythe and another character get her head chopped off.
This is sure to continue as the series goes on. After all, there is a focus on how the Revivers (which is what the zombies are called) can be hurt and how they end up healing from their wounds. Of course, those who are alive will end up with cuts and scars.
Language: There is some moderate language, but the profanity mostly sticks with “hell,” “damn,” and some B-words. The F-bomb is not dropped at all to preserve the TV-14 age rating.
Alcohol & drugs: We do see alcohol and drug use now and then. One of the characters is an addict, and we see some drug-taking during the second episode. The main character, Dana, is drunk at one point during the first episode, and we’re sure to see that happen again considering the nature of her personality.
Overall verdict: Who is Revival appropriate for?
While this series is officially rated TV-14, it’s not the best for the younger teens in the house. I’d go with 16 and up for this series, especially when it comes to the gore. There are a few frightening scenes, which could turn off the younger viewers.
However, this is well worth watching with those who are fans of the graphic novels. It’s also important to watch as it brings up some important social topics, so have a conversation about them afterward.
Revival airs on Wednesdays at 10/9c on Syfy.