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Diagnosis Murder

(Rated TV-PG, Drama, Starring Dick Van Dyke, Victoria Rowell, Barry Van Dyke, Where to watch: ION, DVD)

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 8, age appropriate for kids over 12; suggested age 12.

  • Is it any good?

    3.0

  • Common Sense says

    90s crime drama is tame by today's standards.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 12 and Up

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    Characters often lie, cheat, steal, and kill to achieve their own selfish agendas -- but most of them get their comeuppance in the end. Assumptions of guilt can change quickly, and mild suspense exists throughout the show.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence:

    Since each episode centers on solving a murder, much of the dialogue relates to killing. The act of murder is shown (with some blood when applicable), but the show's overall mood is light, and the violence is fairly hokey.

  • Sex:

    Flirting, some kissing, and allusions to sexual activity, extramarital affairs, and illegitimate children. Occasionally women are shown in skimpy undergarments or a bath towel.

  • Language:

    Not an issue.

  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Adults sometimes drink and/or smoke in social settings or at home.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Diagnosis Murder

Parents need to know that although murder is central to this drama series and the act of killing is often shown, the violence is pretty cheesy and not likely to upset older tweens. Other mature content (sexual references, drinking, smoking, etc.) is sparse, and the show's use of humor greatly lightens the overall mood. Still, kids may be affected by the show's violent and criminal themes or confused by the frequently changing assumptions of guilt and the discussions of murder motives.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about how this show compares to current crime dramas. Are today's shows more violent? What do you think led to that shift? Do you think using more realistic violence increases the show's credibility with viewers? Why or why not? How could increased violence in the media have a negative effect on viewers? For more about media violence, click here.
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