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CSI: Crime Scene Investigation

(Rated TV-14, Drama, Starring William L. Petersen, Marg Helgenberger, Gary Dourdan, Where to watch: CBS, DVD, Download)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 15, age appropriate for kids over 18; suggested age 15.
  • Is it any good?

    4.0
  • Common Sense says

    Science prevails in mature, top-rated crime show.

updated 04.03.09

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 15–18

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    Main characters are strong and smart, but not very deeply developed. Plots focusing on unusual lifestyles are treated with respect. Repeated focus on violence against women.
  • Violence:

    Very bloody, gruesome. Lots of graphic inside-the-body shots.
  • Sex:

    Varies from episode to episode; episodes have focused on sadomasochism, infantilism, etc.
  • Language:

    Occasional swearing, "ass," "bitch," etc.
  • Consumerism:

    Product placement occurs subtly, mostly with cars and technology.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Minor alcohol use by main characters. Drugs often play a role in crimes.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About CSI: Crime Scene Investigation

Parents need to know that this popular crime show features strong doses of graphic violence, as well as lots of blood, drug use, and sexual situations. Although the series' focus is on solving crimes and seeking justice, the violence is sometimes gratuitous. Character development is much less important than depicting the crimes; as a consequence, the show lacks a certain emotional resonance.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about why the show repeatedly focuses on abuse against vulnerable people. Is this a reflection of reality? How do kids feel when they see gory images, even in the context of scientific discovery? Another angle of discussion could focus on the science depicted in the show. What fascinates kids about the methods the investigators use to solve the crimes? Do you think the show's use of technology is realistic?
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Most Recent Reviews

  1. Kid Reviewer
    Age 12
    Lives in Pennsylvania
    I rate this title on for age 8 and give it 4.0

    It's very good

    My whole family loves it, and I have a handwriting analysis kit. We usually watch it in our family room.

  2. Parent Reviewer
    Lives in Missouri
    Kids ages: 4, 7, 8
    I rate this title iffy for age 16 and give it 3.0

  3. Teen Reviewer
    Age 13
    Lives in
    I rate this title iffy for age 2 and give it 5.0

    It's no wonder CSI is the number one tv show in the world

    There's nothing bad about the show from the starting down to the ending.

  4. Teen Reviewer
    Age 16
    Lives in New Jersey
    I rate this title iffy for age 2 and give it 3.0

    Kinda stupid but interesting...

    Nothing any of the CSI's do is realistic, first of all. And there's so many gruesome deaths and the CSI's themselves sometimes have such disgusting personal lives that it's almost silly. Furthermore, none of their technology is real. On the other hand, it is an entertaining show.

  5. Teen Reviewer
    Age 14
    Anonymous
    Lives in Maryland
    I rate this title iffy for age 2 and give it 5.0

    Awesome show!

    This is a great show, but sometimes i wish I hadnt seen a specific episode. People are constantly getting raped, dismembered, stabbed, shot, and all that good stuff.

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