Dracula (R)
Age 15+
Sex and violence in elaborate but uneven adaptation.
This retelling of Bram Stoker’s classic novel reimagines the vampire tale as a centuries-spanning love story. When Vlad (Caleb Landry Jones) denounces God after the loss of his great love, Elisabeta (Zoë Bleu), he’s cursed to walk the Earth as a vampire, searching for her reincarnated soul. There are moments of humor and the gore is schlocky at times — keeping the tone lighter than some previous adaptations — but there’s still plenty of bloody violence. Expect battles, shootings, stabbings and gore (such as decapitated heads). Vampires bite and drink people’s blood. A character tries to take their own life many times, but their inability to do so is played for dark humor. There’s passionate kissing, and sex is depicted on-screen, but there’s no nudity beyond a man’s bare chest and woman’s shoulders. Characters drink alcohol at dinners and celebrations, and consume Communion wine at church. (129 minutes)
Available in theaters.
The Muppet Show (TV-PG)
Age 8+
Muppets return with mayhem, celebs and kid-friendly laughs.
Executive produced by Seth Rogen, this revival special features Sabrina Carpenter, Maya Rudolph and the whole Muppet gang. Expect language such as “jerk” and “frickin’,” mild sexual innuendo, romantic plots and implied drinking. While Kermit is always a friendly beacon of sunshine, some of the Muppets can be mean or insulting. Expect the usual slapstick Muppet humor — i.e. characters flying offscreen or having bottles smashed on their head — with no injuries or repercussions. This special is a one-off, though the characters suggest that, if all goes well, more episodes may be in store. (30 minutes)
Available on Disney+.
The ’Burbs (TV-MA)
Age 14+
Lots of twists in movie-inspired dark comedy with language.
This dark comedy — based on the Tom Hanks movie of the same name — stars Keke Palmer as Samira, a lawyer on maternity leave whose neighbors (Paula Pell, Julia Duffy and Mark Proksch) egg her on to investigate the mysterious, dilapidated Victorian house across the street. Expect lots of language, including “f—,” “a–,” “s—,” “b—-,” “hell,” “douchebag” and “a–hole.” Characters frequently drink wine on “wine night.” There are some jump scares, nightmares and threatening moments, but no over-the-top gore. (Eight episodes)
Available on Peacock.
Phoebe & Jay (TV-Y)
Age 3+
Fantastic literacy lessons and warm family vibes.
This upbeat preschool series teaches foundational language skills in a gentle, age-appropriate way. It follows 6-year-old twins Phoebe (voiced by Cleo Annan) and Jay (Isaiah Ball), who live with their dad (Jonathan Langdon) and grandma (Morrissa Nicole) in a busy apartment building. As the kids embark on adventures getting around, meeting new neighbors, making friends and helping others, they learn early literacy skills such as reading signs and labels and following instructions. But the series doesn’t just focus on words: It highlights symbols, colors and other visual cues to support problem-solving and independent thinking. The show features a diverse community of neighbors from various backgrounds. Besides being educational, the series also inspires values such as kindness, family and friendship. (10 episodes)
Available on PBS Kids.
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