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Life

(Rated TV-14, Drama, Starring Damian Lewis, Sarah Shahi, Adam Arkin, Where to watch: NBC, DVD, Online)

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 14, age appropriate for kids over 99; suggested age 15.

  • Is it any good?

    2.0

  • Common Sense says

    Mature cop drama lacks spark; not meant for kids.

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 15–18

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    As a cop, Charlie generally adheres to the rigid hierarchy of the force, though his quirky habits tend to annoy his coworkers. His supervisor seems to be looking for a way to kick Charlie off the force and leans on Charlie's partner Dani for evidence of misbehavior. Meanwhile, Charlie is quietly investigating the case the led to his own wrongful conviction, despite being warned to refrain from pursuing vengeance.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence:

    Frequent flashbacks to violent beatings in prison, as well as graphic shots of murder victims that include blood, dismembered fingers, and other unpleasant images. Detectives carry (and sometimes use) guns.

  • Sex:

    Some onscreen love scenes and brief flashes of naked bodies, but no sensitive parts shown. Charlie's sudden fame (and perhaps his massive settlement) has made him a magnet to women, who stream in and out of his bedroom, often without being introduced to viewers (apparently, there's no need for names, as they won't be seen again). Charlie's new partner has addiction issues and seems to have taken to anonymous sex as a substitute for drugs.

  • Language:

    Words include "bitch," "damn," "hell," etc.

  • Consumerism:

    Mild, although Charlie, who became a Zen convert while incarcerated, is clearly having a tough time avoiding attachment to some material objects, especially a fancy new sports car.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Some characters drink, sometimes to excess. Dani seems to like going to bars to pick up men, and there are references to her past drug use. Some scenes feature drug dealers and their merchandise.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Life

Parents need to know that this police drama touches on some heavy, mature topics, including revenge, addiction, and casual sex. The main character has adopted a Zen-like attitude to cope with his years behind bars, but he's secretly trying to find whoever framed him. Meanwhile, he pursues pleasure, whether in the form of anonymous and attractive young ladies or tasty fresh fruit. His partner is a recovering drug addict who likes to pick up men in bars. There's also plenty of violence as the two gun-carrying detectives investigate crimes; expect images of bloody dead bodies, dismembered fingers, and more.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about cop shows. What things do TV series about police officers and other law-enforcement figures tend to have in common? How does Charlie compare to other TV cops? Families can also discuss justice and revenge. Charlie was wrongfully convicted of murder and spent 12 years in prison before being exonerated. Now he's secretly trying to find out who framed him. What do you think he might do if he finds out who's behind the crime? What should he do? Can any amount of money (for example, the big settlement Charlie gets) make up for losing such a big chunk of your life?
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Most Recent Reviews

  1. Parent Reviewer
    robertbrenner7
    Lives in Massachusetts
    I rate this title on for age 15 and give it 5.0

    Underated

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
    Flag as inappropriate
  2. Teen Reviewer Age 14
    football41
    Lives in Oklahoma
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 5.0

    Great Show

    This is a great show, because Charlie Crews (the mian star of the series) either killed a family or was framed for it, but they don't tell you in the series....yet. Charlie Crews is a very wise man so it makes the show even more interesting than what it already is.

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
    Flag as inappropriate
  3. Adult Reviewer
    a7pointstar
    Lives in California
    I rate this title on for age 13 and give it 5.0

    Fresh and New

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
    Flag as inappropriate

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