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American Gangster

(Rated TV-14, Reality TV, Starring Ving Rhames, Where to watch: BET, Online)

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 14, age appropriate for kids over 99; suggested age 14.

  • Is it any good?

    4.0

  • Common Sense says

    Smart series takes an in-depth look at crime.

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 14–18

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    Although criminal behavior is discussed in detail, the overall message is that crime never pays. Not only will you get caught, but you'll hurt many more people than yourself.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence:

    Gun use is rampant. Given that many of the episodes deal with drug use and gang warfare, there's quite a bit of threatened violence.

  • Sex:

    Discussion of trading sex for drugs in at least one episode.

  • Language:

    Not an issue.

  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Drugs play a prominent role in each episode.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About American Gangster

Parents need to know that this compelling documentary series examines the lives of contemporary African-American criminals like Crips gang co-founder Stanley "Tookie" Williams and crack dealer "Freeway Ricky" Ross. Though the subject matter is mature and often explicit (in one episode, footage of prostitutes is shown as the narrator explains that women traded sex for drugs on the street corners of Los Angeles), the people being profiled aren't glorified. The series' goal is to understand these people and the impact they had on their communities.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about crime. How does someone become a criminal? Is crime ever justified? How are race and crime tied together in the United States? What role do the media play in that relationship? What is racial profiling? Are the police tougher on some races than others? How can communities particularly plagued by crime fight back?
Tools and tips that can help

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