• Is it age appropriate?

  About our ratings

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  Not age appropriate for kids under 17, age appropriate for kids over 17; suggested age 17.

• Is it any good?

  4.0

• Common Sense says

  Realistic drama about urban crime is NOT for kids.

Why We Rated This

What to watch out for

• Messages:

  Provides serious social commentary on the complex problems faced by inner cities. The cast is predominantly African-American but also includes Caucasians and Latinos. While criminal behavior is treated as negative, those who are fighting crime aren't always ethically motivated.
• Violence:

  Frequent scenes of people being murdered. Guns and other weapons are visibly used to cause bodily harm. There are also recurring discussions of violent acts as related to criminal investigations. Lots of gang-related fighting (including punching and kicking) resulting in bodily harm. Children engage in disruptive behavior in and outside of school.
• Sex:

  Strong sexual content, including nudity. Explicit, gratuitous remarks about sex and sexual activity are frequent.
• Language:

  Very strong language, including the continual use of "f--k" and other swear words. The swearing is often gratuitous.
• Consumerism:

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

  Drug trafficking is prominently discussed and sometimes visible, but it's within context (drug dealing is a major theme of the show). Both adults and minors drink and use tobacco products.

What Parents Need to Know

About The Wire

Families Can Talk About