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CSI: NY

  • 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

    Mature, captivating forensic whodunit.

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 15–18

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    The CSI team is smart and well-intentioned, but the criminals are definitely bad role models.
  • Violence:

    The depictions of the crimes are often graphic and gruesome, as in all of the shows in the CSI franchise.
  • Sex:

    When sexual content appears in the show, it's usually related to a crime that has taken place.
  • Language:

    Words like "bitch" and "ass" are routinely used by suspects and witnesses.
  • Consumerism:

    Cellular phones are touted, as are their ring tones.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Some of the criminal behavior is focused on drug distribution and/or consumption.

What Parents Need to Know

This review of CSI: NY was written by Elisabeth Chaney

Parents need to know that this spin-off is just as violent and mature as the immensely popular original. While the behavior displayed by the CSI team is beyond reproach (with only a few minor infractions), the criminals' rap sheet includes assault, murder, and drug use.

Families Can Talk About

Talk to your kids about the media in their life. We have more tools and tips that can help
  • Families can talk about the science behind the show, using that to transition into conversations about what teens are learning in science class. Could what they're learning be used to investigate crime? Do they think science is something they'd like to pursue as a career? On another tack, how do teens feel about the crimes depicted in the show? Is the neat nature of the episodes' plots a realistic reflection of crime solving?
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More on CSI: NY

What’s the Story?

The third addition to CBS's hit CSI franchise, CSI: NY follows a team of five New York City crime scene investigators as they discover forensic evidence at murder scenes and interpret it to solve the crimes. In each episode, the team typically works on two homicides: one of which drives the main plot, the other a subplot that usually has some type of comedic or sexual overtones. Leading the team is Mac Taylor (Gary Sinise), an introverted yet charismatic leader who lost his wife on 9/11. Reporting to him are four investigators, each of whom has a unique area of expertise outside of the typical forensic purview. For example, Danny Messer (Carmine Giovinazzo) has highly tuned street smarts that give him a trustworthy familiarity when he speaks with suspects and witnesses.

Is It Any Good?

CSI: NY is better-developed than its Miami counterpart, but not as strong as the original Las Vegas installment. That said, the characters are smart and edgy. And the show rarely leaves the viewer with a cliffhanger, making it a great choice for viewers who prefer all-inclusive episodes with no strings attached.

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Our Members Say

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Most Recent Reviews

  1. Teen Reviewer Age 14
    I rate this title on for age 14 and give it 5.0
    • My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence
    • Inappropriate sexual content
    • Excessive consumerism
    • Drinking, smoking, or drug use
    • My highlights are:
    • Positive messages
    • Good role models

    Great For Older Teens and Adults

    CSI NY is a realistic depiction of crimes committed and those committed to catching the criminals. It is violent. There are shoot-outs, bloody-gorey (EXTREMELY) crime scenes, drug use, alcohol misuse, buying of illegal drugs and weaponry, and strange sexual scenes, etc. However disturbing that may be, it's all about stopping it from happening. The role models are cops trying to stop the crime happening in New York City by all means, being good role models and giving a positive message at the same time. This series is an emotional rollercoaster; it contains heartbreak, love and happiness, anger, and an overall sense of strength. Great for people who will understand it. I do, but most kids younger than me won't, and will only be scared by it. My advice; wait until your kids are a bit older before you let them watch it.

  2. I rate this title iffy for age 11 and give it 5.0
    • My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence
    • Inappropriate sexual content
    • Inappropriate language
    • Drinking, smoking, or drug use
    • My highlights are:
    • Positive messages
    • Good role models

    I LOVE this show sooooo much. It depends on the maturity of your kid if they can watch it or not, so know your kid.

  3. Teen Reviewer Age 13
    Lives in Illinois
    I rate this title iffy for age 11 and give it 5.0
    • My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence
    • Inappropriate sexual content
    • Inappropriate language
    • Drinking, smoking, or drug use
    • Negative role models
    • My highlights are:
    • Positive messages
    • Good role models

    GREAT SHOW

    I love this show. I am 13 years old, but I have been watching the show since it came out in .. 2004? It is one of my favorite shows and some things may not be "age appropiate" for me but I still watch it and fully understand it. I think its great and if your mature enough you should be able to watch it at ages 11+.

  4. Teen Reviewer Age 16
    Lives in Washington
    I rate this title on for age 15 and give it 5.0

  5. Teen Reviewer Age 16
    Lives in California
    I rate this title off for age 0 and give it 5.0

    i love it

    hi my hole faimly loves it i do also im a csi so dont put the show down

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