Las Vegas - TV-14

Infamous city gets a swank show; teens and up.

TV Rating: TV-14 Network: NBC Cast: James Caan, Josh Duhamel, Molly Sims Genre: Drama
Available on: Download

Common Sense Note

Parents need to know that this series is far less risque than the city itself, but is nevertheless meant for adults. Female characters all look like models, several characters sleep around, alcohol is plentiful, and weapons pop up regularly. Admirably, the show's fictional casino strictly prohibits underage gambling.

Parents watching with teens may want to discuss their views on gambling, generally depicted here as innocent fun. When and how can gambling go too far? What are the consequences?

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Common Sense Review

Reviewed By: Betsy Wallace

This is a happier, brighter, and far less smoky Las Vegas than the one you'll find in Nevada. Casino president Ed Deline, played by James Caan (Brian's Song, The Godfather), and his young head of security, Danny McCoy (Josh Duhamel), are tough guys -- but they're more like good cops than gangsters. They look out for the casino, its employees, and its guests, solving crimes and minor mysteries each week.

Other main characters include a sexy and savvy female casino host whose job is to woo the rich and famous and a cool pit boss (who, in a bit of encouraging casting, is played by a young black woman, Marsha Thomason). Colorful guests and performers present new laughs and challenges each week -- from run-of-the-mill con-men to a diva who is stalked and a movie star who accidentally dies while doing a motorcycle stunt off the casino roof. Guest stars have included Jean-Claude Van Damme, Paris Hilton, and Paul Anka.

If Fox produced this show, you might expect more sex and violence and less-than-admirable main characters. Luckily it's NBC, and viewers get the fabulous Caan in the lead role, plenty of good-natured humor, and a show that's stimulating without being an assault to the senses. But though many scenes in LAS VEGAS won't offend anyone in your family, kids and teens won't find anything of special value here either.

Las Vegas fans might also enjoy the Vegas-set CSI (which is a much more serious and violent) and witty crime drama Monk.

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Content		CS	adults	kids
Content
Sexual Content Some promiscuity shown. Some implied nudity and revealing clothing.
Violence Episodes often center on maintaining security at the casino, which may involve chases, guns, and bad guys.
Language Some questionable language ("ass," "bitch," "damn," "hell," etc.).
Message
	Social Behavior Diverse and accepting main characters, most with personal and professional integrity. A lot of witty, good-natured humor keeps this show from being "heavy" drama.
	Commercialism
	Drug/Alcohol/Tobacco Alcohol flows freely at the casino, but only among adults. Intoxicated gamblers are escorted back to their hotel rooms by security.