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Law & Order: SVU

(Rated TV-14, Drama, Starring Christopher Meloni, Mariska Hargitay, Richard Belzer, Where to watch: NBC, DVD, Download)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 16, age appropriate for kids over 18; suggested age 16.
  • Is it any good?

    4.0
  • Common Sense says

    Grisly, sensationalized crimes; not meant for kids.

updated 04.03.09

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 16–18

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    The criminals are generally very bad people doing very bad things. But good often triumphs over evil.
  • Violence:

    The show specifically focuses on violent (and often sensational) crimes that also involve sex in some way. There's some gunplay as well. Scenes can be graphic.
  • Sex:

    Many types of sexual crimes are perpetrated against women, kids, and other victims, including rape, incest, mutilation, and more.
  • Language:

    A few "damns," "asses," and "bastards."
  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Drugs often figure prominently in the plotlines.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Law & Order: SVU

Parents need to know that this is the most sensationalized of the Law & Order franchises. Graphic, unusual crimes are the norm, and victims are frequently women and children -- making the show potentially upsetting for younger teens coming into their own sexuality.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about the natures of the crimes. Parents can reassure their children that these crimes, while very real, probably won't happen to them. But families can also discuss the psychological consequences of some of the show's frequent themes.
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Our Members Say

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  • What did you think about Law & Order: SVU?
  •  I think this show is

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See all 23 member reviews

Most Recent Reviews

  1. Teen Reviewer
    Age 16
    Lives in Florida
    I rate this title on for age 14 and give it 5.0

    Not appropriate for anyone under 14 year old.

    This is the most disturbing in the series. This show can be upsetting and is a little mature for kids under 14. Otherwise, it is a good show.

  2. Teen Reviewer
    Age 16
    Lives in Florida
    I rate this title on for age 14 and give it 5.0

    Not appropriate for anyone under 14 year old.

    This is the most disturbing in the series. This show can be upsetting and is a little mature for kids under 14. Otherwise it is a good show.

  3. Kid Reviewer
    Age 12
    Lives in Illinois
    I rate this title iffy for age 2 and give it 5.0

    Best show ever.

    This is a purely flawless show. It probably has the best team of actors and actresses on television. There are a few episodes that push the limits like the undercover episode but it is just a spectacular show. If you can handle horrid crimes its a must watch

  4. Kid Reviewer
    Age 11
    Lives in New York
    I rate this title iffy for age 2 and give it 5.0

    AMAZING!

    This show is probably OK for 10 year olds and up. Nowadays, all my friends know about sex and drugs, so we can handle it. This show is downright spectacular! Mariska Hargitay is my idol now. She is the best actress since Scarlet O'Hara in GONE WITH THE WIND. This show is about sexual crimes, so you should watch it with your parents, but if you think you can handle it on your own, be my guest. THIS IS A MUST-WATCH SHOW!

  5. Kid Reviewer
    Age 12
    Anonymous
    Lives in California
    I rate this title iffy for age 2 and give it 4.0

    These is not for kids who cant take on too much all at ounce. The social message is good, but if you were'nt expecting violence and sex you should'nt be watching the Special Victims Unit!

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