Captured - TV-PG

Strong women solve graphic real-life crimes.

TV Rating: TV-PG Network: Oxygen Genre: Reality TV
Available on: Download

Common Sense Note

Parents need to know that this true-crime docuseries isn't intended for younger viewers. As it chronicles the efforts of tenacious women -- including mothers, wives, investigators, and lawyers -- to resolve wrongs that have touched them personally, it deals with assault, rape, and other mature topics. Episodes contain disturbing crime scene photos (some of which feature bloody and/or otherwise disfigured bodies) and audio clips and video footage of both the accused criminals and the victims.

Families can talk about the growing number of crime-related reality shows. What's the fascination with this type of show? Do they inform the public about crimes, or are they exploiting the victims in the name of entertainment? Families can also discuss whether people have a moral or legal obligation to help police solve crimes. Should they put themselves in danger to do so? Can "helping" ever become interference?

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Common Sense Review

Reviewed By: Melissa Camacho

CAPTURED is a reality documentary series that follows tenacious women who have taken it upon themselves to resolve real-life crimes that have touched them personally.

These women gather information, do research, and even collect DNA samples in hopes of capturing the perpetrator. Some of these women are in law enforcement and are going above and beyond what's expected of them to solve a case. Others are wives, mothers, family members, and friends who have committed themselves to finding the person (or persons) who have hurt or killed their loved ones.

The series, which is produced by the creators of the controversial crime reality show Snapped, features first-hand interviews with the crime-solving women, as well as victims and family members. And, like its sister show, it incorporates graphic crime-scene photos, audio and video footage, and re-enactments of events.

But unlike Snapped -- and many other crime shows, both fictional and reality-based -- Captured focuses solely on crimes committed against women. Consequently, the heart of the show is the positive efforts of other women trying to find answers when law enforcement is unwilling (or unable) to do so.

Granted, the stories are oversimplified to fit into the 30-minute format, the series' graphic nature is a little exploitative, and its signature conclusion -- which requests viewers' help in providing crime-solving tips -- is reminiscent of America's Most Wanted. But on the whole, Captured succeeds in telling stories about women who are empowered and determined.

Fans may also be interested in Investigative Reports.

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Content		CS	adults	kids
Content
Sexual Content Frequent discussions about sex and sexual acts, usually in the context of a crime.
Violence Detailed discussions of violent criminal behavior, including kidnapping, beating, stabbing, burning, sexual assault, and child molestation. Images include crime scene photos of victims, many of which show wounds, pools of blood, and charred remains.
Language Words like "damn" and "hell" are audible; stronger language is bleeped.
Message
	Social Behavior The show centers on strong women of various racial, ethnic, social, and economic backgrounds who have committed themselves to solving crimes against other women. Violent crimes are at the heart of the series.
	Commercialism
	Drug/Alcohol/Tobacco Drug- and alcohol-related activity is discussed but not generally visible.