Jean in Wisc Posted November 22, 2008 Share Posted November 22, 2008 In January my ds is going in for delicate spine surgery and it will be a full year before he will be back to doing most of his normal activites. I'd like to buy a few DVDs for us to watch when he gets home from the hospital. Things our family has enjoyed in the past are: Star Trek Bourne Movies Stargate Lord of the Rings... We like SciFi. We prefer not to go overboard on gore (24 was fun but too gross) or s*x (Battlestar Gallactica would have been fun to watch, but we couldn't get past those scenes...). Just lately we've watched a little NCIS. We've enjoyed the goofy movies like Johnny English and Galaxie Quest in the past. I'd like to find a TV series we could watch so that there would be plenty of viewing fun on those days that my son doesn't feel up to much but is bored. It would be expecially nice if there was some good humor and not just all action (even if he is a 15yo boy, he needs more than action, right?) Ideas? Thank you! Jean Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jami Posted November 22, 2008 Share Posted November 22, 2008 Have you watched the Firefly series? It's kind of a space western. Lots of fun with great characters. BBC's Robin Hood is also fun. A little cheesy in places, but a nice diversion. :) There are two seasons of that out now. Also, maybe some non-fiction series like "Dirty Jobs" from the Discovery Channel. Or "Mythbusters". Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Confuzzled Posted November 22, 2008 Share Posted November 22, 2008 We enjoyed watching "The 4400" on DVD. Maybe "Lost?" Is the "Sarah Conners Chronicles" on DVD yet? Kris Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Diann Posted November 22, 2008 Share Posted November 22, 2008 We've enjoyed "Babylon 5". Someone else mentioned the "Firefly" series, and I highly recommend that, as well. I hope all goes well with the surgery. Diann Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris in VA Posted November 22, 2008 Share Posted November 22, 2008 The Avengers is really fun. We like Hogan's Heroes--sort of a guilty pleasure. Lost is great fun, esp the beginning seasons, before some of the weirder things happen (that said, I can't wait for this January!). Could you stand Monty Python? It's not for everyone. Sherlock Holmes (there are several) provides hours of entertainment here. Also, how about the different "houses" in history on PBS--Frontier House was my favorite. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
percytruffle Posted November 22, 2008 Share Posted November 22, 2008 Jean, how about the show Eureka. We are sci fi fans too and have enjoyed that show. Have you watched Star Gate Atlantis as well as the original? How about all of the Star Trek movies. Also, there was a good show called Andromeda that might be available on DVD. Has he seen Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy? Then there are many reincarnations of Doctor Who. Good luck with your sci fi quest :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
percytruffle Posted November 22, 2008 Share Posted November 22, 2008 One more thought, Burn Notice. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tenaj Posted November 22, 2008 Share Posted November 22, 2008 This doesn't fit in at all with the other suggestions - but my 16 yods (and the rest of us) have spent the past couple of weeks watching The Cosby Show on DVD and my ds just laughs and laughs at the situations the teens get into. I'd forgotten how much "teenage" stuff was in that show and how squeaky clean it really is. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cindy in Indy Posted November 22, 2008 Share Posted November 22, 2008 We just finished the HBO series "from the earth to the moon", a fascinating history of the Apollo space program. Tom Hanks produced it - he is a real space buff and seems to do everything well. We're engineers here, but I think all types would find the storylines engaging. There were 12 1-hour episodes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Unicorn. Posted November 22, 2008 Share Posted November 22, 2008 We got our ds the first season of McGyver last year. He loves it! He now saves foil gum wrappers "cuz you never know when you'll need one, and you can do anything with these!" He loves the science bethind it all. The acting is a little corny, but watching Richard Dean Anderson is the icing on my cake, so who cares about acting! Dh got the first season of Heroes last year. Very intense! Not alot of gore, but very, very intense. I even got hooked. HTH Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Katia Posted November 22, 2008 Share Posted November 22, 2008 Magnum PI Remington Steele Firefly (as mentioned, definitely!) Gomer Pyle USMC - these are black and white and hysterical Also look into some Japanese anime. There are some really good series and just movies. Like: Last Exile Laputa: Castle in the Sky Hikaru no Go Full Metal Panic Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beth in OH Posted November 22, 2008 Share Posted November 22, 2008 BBC's Dr. Who would be perfect--sci fi, fantasy, humor, totally PG. Any of the seasons from 2005-2008 have been really good. 16 yo dd describes is as "totally compelling, dramatic and intense without the sex or violence. ;-)" Beth Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tap Posted November 22, 2008 Share Posted November 22, 2008 I don't have any suggestion but thought I would let you know that firefly is available online for free :0) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Halftime Hope Posted November 22, 2008 Share Posted November 22, 2008 a couple of miniseries, as well: Taipan (brief partial male nudity in one scene, if I recall correctly) Ivanhoe (nothing objectionable) Horatio Hornblower (guessing you've already seen these) Also, ds was about fifteen when he became totally absorbed in West Wing. (He is not at all interested in politics, but for some reason he liked the wit in the show) hth Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jean in Wisc Posted November 24, 2008 Author Share Posted November 24, 2008 I'm writing all these suggestions down and then I'll see what Jacob and the family thinks would be good. You are all great! Jean Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TraceyS/FL Posted November 24, 2008 Share Posted November 24, 2008 There are a bunch of good "old" ones on Hulu.com to watch for free! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cheryl in NM Posted November 24, 2008 Share Posted November 24, 2008 Monk is a hilarious series on USA with Tony Shaloub. He's a nuerotic detective. We love it and it's okay for the whole family. We miss it since we turned the dish off. Most of the espisodes are funny and light hearted. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Remudamom Posted November 24, 2008 Share Posted November 24, 2008 Seconding Lost and Jeeves/Wooster. The Men in Black movies are funny, science fictioney. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KarenNC Posted November 24, 2008 Share Posted November 24, 2008 You can also look at the older Dr. Who series---Tom Baker was my favorite Dr., but John Pertwee and Peter Davison were good too (I liked most of them, though). *Don't* go to the new spin-off "Torchwood," btw. I enjoy it, but really, I'm not sure they even used to show that much "interaction" on late night Cinemax when I was younger, and it's between *all* the characters--not something for a teen. We're enjoying watching the Munsters and Addams Family at the moment, if you like goofy humor. Young Indiana Jones is a fabulous series. Have you considered Netflix? They have recently gone to unlimited watch instantly with almost any level of dvd subscription (the 1 dvd at a time and unlimited watch instantly is $8.99 a month). You can get a box for $99 that wirelessly takes the signal to your tv if you don't want to watch them on the computer. They've got older TV series in the watch instantly category like the Hulk, Hercules, Knight Rider, Airwolf, A-Team, older Dr. Who, the old Battlestar Galactica, SeaQuest, Quantum Leap, Kolchak Nightstalker, Forever Knight (Canadian vampire series), etc. I don't remember any of these having things I wouldn't have been allowed to watch as a teen. They were all on primetime tv at the time (which actually meant at least a little something back then), with the possible exception of Forever Knight, and I don't remember anything terribly egregious with that one. We own it and I haven't let my 8yo watch it yet, but your son is much older. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
5kidsforME Posted November 24, 2008 Share Posted November 24, 2008 In January my ds is going in for delicate spine surgery and it will be a full year before he will be back to doing most of his normal activites. I'd like to buy a few DVDs for us to watch when he gets home from the hospital. Things our family has enjoyed in the past are: Star Trek Bourne Movies Stargate Lord of the Rings... We like SciFi. We prefer not to go overboard on gore (24 was fun but too gross) or s*x (Battlestar Gallactica would have been fun to watch, but we couldn't get past those scenes...). Just lately we've watched a little NCIS. We've enjoyed the goofy movies like Johnny English and Galaxie Quest in the past. I'd like to find a TV series we could watch so that there would be plenty of viewing fun on those days that my son doesn't feel up to much but is bored. It would be expecially nice if there was some good humor and not just all action (even if he is a 15yo boy, he needs more than action, right?) Ideas? Thank you! Jean LOSt!! Hands down, looooove it! The only thing (IMO) it gets better after the first 2 episodes. Push through it is worth it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jean in Wisc Posted December 17, 2008 Author Share Posted December 17, 2008 I'm going to go through these with my ds and see what he thinks sounds good. Thank you all!!! Jean Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jenn in Mo Posted December 17, 2008 Share Posted December 17, 2008 Have you watched the Firefly series? It's kind of a space western. Lots of fun with great characters. BBC's Robin Hood is also fun. A little cheesy in places, but a nice diversion. :) There are two seasons of that out now. Also, maybe some non-fiction series like "Dirty Jobs" from the Discovery Channel. Or "Mythbusters". You mentioned not liking gory, so I thought I would chip in that Firefly had some pretty gory scenes, much as I loved the rest of it. I LOVE the Robin Hood series. There 2 seasons out and a 3rd on tv now, I believe? I haven't seen this, but the Children of Dune looked pretty good. Of course, I like nearly anything with James McAvoy in it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kareni Posted December 17, 2008 Share Posted December 17, 2008 My husband and teen have enjoyed watching The Prisoner and Secret Agent (aka Danger Man). Other series they've enjoyed: Horatio Hornblower Serenity and Firefly MASH I, Claudius Twilight Zone Wishing your son a successful surgery and recuperation! Regards, Kareni Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lizzie in Ma Posted December 17, 2008 Share Posted December 17, 2008 Firefly rules but there is a character who is a "companion" (wink wink nod nod) so I don't watch it with my dc yet. Space cowboys, it doesn't get any better than this. What about Buffy the Vampire Slayer? Again, sorry Joss Whedon is my master now. :) Campy, witty, funny, intelligent, occasionally hilarious, good clean fun. Sadly, mine are not 15 yet, and I still don't go there with them. I can't wait though. The Stargate SG-1 series is one of our family favorites, we have plowed through all 11 seasons and still watch favorite episodes. BJ's has them for $17 a season. Season one, episode one has a very brief nude scene from the back. There has never been another moment in the whole series that bothered me though. We also like Stargte Atlantis but not as much. The Old cheesy Battlestar Galactica is a ball. I loved V the series when it was on and I think it is available on dvd now. Sorry, I am sure I can think of more but I am outta here this morning! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
julesmama3 Posted December 17, 2008 Share Posted December 17, 2008 How about the Rocky movies? There are about 5 or 6 in the boxed set. The are very clean aside from all the punching. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jenn in Mo Posted December 17, 2008 Share Posted December 17, 2008 I loved V the series when it was on and I think it is available on dvd now. I grew up watching that as a kid! My cousins and I played the characters in my grandpa's fields all summer long. I've never heard of anyone else who even knew what I was talking about when I mentioned the show! High five! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tinag Posted December 17, 2008 Share Posted December 17, 2008 Monk is a hilarious series on USA with Tony Shaloub. He's a nuerotic detective. We love it and it's okay for the whole family. We miss it since we turned the dish off. Most of the espisodes are funny and light hearted. My 15yo son loves Monk and Psych. They are both pretty clean. Seems like the first season of Monk had a few things I didn't like but the rest are great. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tinag Posted December 17, 2008 Share Posted December 17, 2008 Monk is a hilarious series on USA with Tony Shaloub. He's a nuerotic detective. We love it and it's okay for the whole family. We miss it since we turned the dish off. Most of the espisodes are funny and light hearted. Monk is supposed to be on NBC on Sunday nights. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Valerie in Chicago Posted December 17, 2008 Share Posted December 17, 2008 Great suggestions here! Also, if he liked the Bourne movies, he might like the BBC's MI-5, which is available on NetFlix. It's definitely engrossing (ok, for me anyway...):001_smile: Best of luck to your DS! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cindy in FL. Posted December 17, 2008 Share Posted December 17, 2008 My boys just love the old Get Smart show. The entire series is out on DVD now. Cindy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PollyOR Posted December 17, 2008 Share Posted December 17, 2008 Another vote for Dr. Who. My kids love watching it with their Dad. I'm not a TV/Movie person, but I would recommend subscribing to Netflix if you are going to watch a lot of DVDs. It has been a much cheaper option than the local Blockbuster. I'm not sure what type of internet service you have (DSL here) but if it is fast enough, it is nice to be able to watch "instant play" movies and shows. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SonshineLearner Posted December 17, 2008 Share Posted December 17, 2008 We have the Redbox at McDonald's and it's only one dollar a movie...It's a good option for us. Cheaper than movies at the local Movie Rental place. Carrie:-) (Oh, and you can reserve the movies online...) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shell in SC Posted December 17, 2008 Share Posted December 17, 2008 Hearing the suggestion for V reminded me about Alien Nation. It was cheesy but DH and I enjoy it. And what is the connection b/t V and Alien Nation? I have NO idea. My brain works in strange ways! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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