Common Sense Note

Parents need to know that this series about historical tough guys -- which combines history, science, and combat -- is gorier than its History Channel cousins. Modern experts evaluate specialized weapons and fighting techniques by attacking targets and lifelike human dummies. Some of the tests can be somewhat gruesome; fake heads are smashed in, and blood oozes (or gushes) from some pretty nasty looking injuries. Many staged battles show combatants in action, and these simulated fights to the death can be pretty intense.

Sexual Content

Not applicable

Violence

Plenty of action. The show painstakingly evaluates various weapons by testing them on targets and lifelike human dummies. Skulls are smashed, and blood oozes from some pretty nasty gashes. The climax of each episode is a staged fight to the death between the two contenders.

Language

No swearing, but lots of trash-talking.

Social Behavior

The show's overall point is to scientifically and objectively evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of some of history's toughest fighters. It's not out to send messages, per se, but younger viewers certainly could come away feeling that violence has been glorified.

Consumerism

Not applicable

Drugs / Tobacco / Alcohol

Not applicable