NCIS - TV-PG

Upbeat but average crime show -- older teens OK.

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About Our Ratings
Common Sense rates it
3
Seen the show?
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details
  • TV Rating: TV-PG
  • Network: CBS
  • Cast: Mark Harmon, Sasha Alexander, Michael Weatherly
  • Genre: Drama
  • >Available On: DVD,Download

Parents need to know

Parents need to know that this military investigative drama depicts graphic crime scenes that include blood, gunshot holes, and dead bodies (some of which have been mutilated). Autopsies can also be somewhat graphic, though certain body parts are blurred out. The main characters engage in adult humor, though the content is generally mild. The series reinforces some stereotypes, while others (particularly gender roles) are made more complicated.

Families can talk about any stereotypes they witness while watching. Does the male and female characters' behavior on the show promote or fight stereotypes? What's the difference between male and female sexuality on the show? How does humor work on the show? Who makes the jokes, and who is the butt of the jokes? What does this mean?

Message

Social Behavior:

In general, the characters are positive, but each has quirks -- not all good. One main character is a womanizer.

Consumerism:

No real product placement, though fake Starbucks and Big Gulp cups are visible.

Drugs/Alcohol/Tobacco:

Main characters do not smoke, drink obviously, or use drugs. Use may appear in some subplots.

Violence

Crime scenes show blood, crimes themselves can be very violent (disemboweling, tongues cut out), and autopsies can be graphic. Some plots involve serial killers.

Sex

Plenty of sexual banter and innuendo. Not terribly graphic, though, and always with humor.

Language

Mild swearing ("ass," "bitch," "damn") and some sexual language play: "pussy ... cat."

Common Sense says

What's the story?

Reviewed by Sierra Filucci

NCIS is an offshoot of JAG, and, like its predecessor, it takes a military angle on the standard legal/crime procedural drama: The unit's purpose is to investigate crimes involving Navy and Marine Corps personnel. Mark Harmon plays Special Agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs, the man in charge of on-the-ground operations. Gibbs is a serious guy whose impatience with bureaucracy makes you wonder why he chose a career in the military, but whose experience and intensity keep the rest of the team on track. His two main investigators, Anthony "Tony" DiNozzo (Michael Weatherly) and Ziva David (Cote de Pablo), riff with each other constantly, including some sexual banter. Several other characters round out the show, most notably Abby Sciuto (Pauley Perrette), whose gothic style and relentlessly chipper attitude make her an unusual forensic expert. Her geeky personality and propensity for Big Gulp sodas add to her cult appeal.

Is it any good?

3

While the show definitely has some appealing characteristics and an upbeat feel, the writing is mediocre, and the genre is just plain tired. But what sets NCIS apart from CSI, The Evidence, Crossing Jordan, and the rest of the shows in the crime scene-investigation genre is its tone. While CSI is dark and moody, NCIS is light and playful, full of gags and teasing banter between characters.

Stereotypes abound, but around gender the message is mixed. DiNozzo and David play out some familiar sex/power games, like when David tries to seductively bribe DiNozzo into saying he was driving during a fender bender in order to save her driving record. But balanced against this type of behavior is the fact that David is a strong character who holds her own against DiNozzo's mild chauvinism, bragging about her own sexual behavior and taking initiative when her partner is stumped.

Other choices

JAG
CSI
The Evidence
Law & Order
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Parents and kids say

All Reviews

There are 9 reviews.

5


Posted on 07/24/08 by david02917 Kid contributor, age 13

Great Show

This show has great storylines, including great season openers and finales. I would not reccomend this for young kids, because of the autopsies the perform (they are a little graphic.)
5


Posted on 04/24/08 by flipper95 Kid contributor, age 13

love it

I am 12 and see nothing wrong with it and as long as watching it waith an adult at some points its perfect for kids my age
4


Posted on 01/30/08 by trovetadoll Kid contributor, age 12

This show is Awesome

I love NCIS. I picked it up at my grandparents and have watched it ever since. my mom and I find it very cool and tvo it every teuesday.yeah it has people that are having antopises, but they always cover the privates.If you like CIS you'll probly like this.
4


Posted on 09/27/07 by Dman Kid contributor, age 13

Not for kids under 13

Awesome and exciting show...Only problem I have with it is that I have to choose between this and bones every night since they come on at the same time...lol
5


Posted on 09/04/07 by Bobby Blabby Kid contributor, age 11

Great A+++++

Great Show.
5

Posted on 06/24/07 by Anonymous Kid contributor, age 13

Age 17+
2

Posted on 06/08/07 by Anonymous Adult contributor

Great Characters -- Horror Film Plot

The characters and actors are above average in this crime investigation program. Unfortunately, I can no long watch them due to the graphic use of violence and horror film plot lines. I usually think I have a strong constitution, but this show is too much for me. Avoid it.
4

Posted on 05/19/06 by Anonymous Kid contributor, age 16

Good Show

This is a zany, enjoyable crime drama that sticks out among other shows in its genre. NCIS is a spin off of JAG, it is decidedly light fare for its genre, but still remains intelligent. NCIS follows a team of criminal investigators working for the navy. The teams leader is Leroy Jethro Gibbs, a retired marine. Gibbs is a frequently sardonic and temperamental, yet he remains a likeable character, possibly due to his wry wit. The remaining team compliant Gibbs well, making the unit function as a whole. The show is not on the same level as the CSI franchise, or the Law & Order franchise, it falls short in many ways; however, this doesn’t stop it from being any less enjoyable. One should not tune in expecting the same level of maturity as is demonstrated in the CSI or Law & Order franchises. I recommend this show for those 13+, depending maturity.
5


Posted on 04/21/06 by scarrymoviefan Kid contributor, age 13

its good

hey i watch it and whats up with the age groop i love it

See all 9 reviews >

Adult Reviews

There are 1 reviews.

Age 17+
2

Posted on 06/08/07 by Anonymous Adult contributor

Great Characters -- Horror Film Plot

The characters and actors are above average in this crime investigation program. Unfortunately, I can no long watch them due to the graphic use of violence and horror film plot lines. I usually think I have a strong constitution, but this show is too much for me. Avoid it.

Kids Reviews

There are 8 reviews.

5


Posted on 07/24/08 by david02917 Kid contributor, age 13

Great Show

This show has great storylines, including great season openers and finales. I would not reccomend this for young kids, because of the autopsies the perform (they are a little graphic.)
5


Posted on 04/24/08 by flipper95 Kid contributor, age 13

love it

I am 12 and see nothing wrong with it and as long as watching it waith an adult at some points its perfect for kids my age
4


Posted on 01/30/08 by trovetadoll Kid contributor, age 12

This show is Awesome

I love NCIS. I picked it up at my grandparents and have watched it ever since. my mom and I find it very cool and tvo it every teuesday.yeah it has people that are having antopises, but they always cover the privates.If you like CIS you'll probly like this.
4


Posted on 09/27/07 by Dman Kid contributor, age 13

Not for kids under 13

Awesome and exciting show...Only problem I have with it is that I have to choose between this and bones every night since they come on at the same time...lol
5


Posted on 09/04/07 by Bobby Blabby Kid contributor, age 11

Great A+++++

Great Show.
5

Posted on 06/24/07 by Anonymous Kid contributor, age 13

4

Posted on 05/19/06 by Anonymous Kid contributor, age 16

Good Show

This is a zany, enjoyable crime drama that sticks out among other shows in its genre. NCIS is a spin off of JAG, it is decidedly light fare for its genre, but still remains intelligent. NCIS follows a team of criminal investigators working for the navy. The teams leader is Leroy Jethro Gibbs, a retired marine. Gibbs is a frequently sardonic and temperamental, yet he remains a likeable character, possibly due to his wry wit. The remaining team compliant Gibbs well, making the unit function as a whole. The show is not on the same level as the CSI franchise, or the Law & Order franchise, it falls short in many ways; however, this doesn’t stop it from being any less enjoyable. One should not tune in expecting the same level of maturity as is demonstrated in the CSI or Law & Order franchises. I recommend this show for those 13+, depending maturity.
5


Posted on 04/21/06 by scarrymoviefan Kid contributor, age 13

its good

hey i watch it and whats up with the age groop i love it
See all 8 kids reviews >
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