 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Cops
- Fox, Syndicated
- Genre: Reality TV
Common Sense Media says
Suspects caught on tape. Too violent for kids.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this show isn't suitable for kids. While it's interesting to see the types of calls that officers respond to, most of the footage is graphic and violent. Many of the calls involve prostitution, domestic violence, fights, robberies, and drug deals. Suspects sometimes fight back, which can be scary. Sometimes the cops use a lot of force, which can be upsetting. Suspects often use profanity, with the strongest words bleeped.
What's the story?
COPS, one of the longest-running shows on TV and considered one of the first reality shows, follows police officers from across the country as they perform their jobs. A camera crew accompanies the officers as they respond to calls, and the action results from the often violent and bizarre encounters that the officers have once they arrive at the crime scene.
Is it any good?
Much of the show's appeal comes from getting a peek into the daily life of a police officer. However, the glimpse we're given isn't appropriate for kids. The calls that are chosen for each episode are selected for their shock value, and it's hard not to be shocked by much of the footage: drunken brawls, domestic arguments, and armed criminals that fight back. Also, at times it seems that both the suspects and the officers are performing for the cameras, so it's hard to tell how "real" these scenes are.
Crime scenes can be bloody, and suspects and officers often get seriously injured. A recent episode, for example, featured an armed suspect on the run, a bloody trailer-park brawl, and a domestic violence call. Unless your teen is considering a career in law enforcement, there doesn't seem to be much reason to expose your kids to this show.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about whether or not they think this is a fair representation of a police officer's job. Could every day on the job be this dangerous or exciting or outrageous? Do you think the officers and suspects would act differently if they weren't being followed by the cameras? Why has this show remained so popular for so long?
- Show:
- All members
- Parents
- Teens & kids
AGE
well...
kids are gonna have to learn just how sucky this world is sooner or later. everything isn't bright rainbows and cute kitty cats. they should be old enough to depict right from wrong first, though...
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AGE
Great for Teens
I watch this show constantly. This show is good, but too violent for kids 12 and under. The show is mainly cops arresting people for prostitution, possession of illegal drugs and/or narcotics, and domestic disturbances. I would recommend watching it with your kid the first time they see it.
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Kid, 12 years old
September 10, 2010
AGE
whatcha gonna do when they run from you??????????
good show
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AGE
Great with exceptions
I love this show because I love justice. Now if I see someone smoking I can easily tell what they are smoking, nifty skill :) I think it will teach tweens and teens what not to do or might just do the opposite. I would tell your children that this is what you shouldn't do (i.e. smoke, domestic violence, etc.)
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Kid, 12 years old
May 12, 2010
AGE
Inappropriate: 5 and under Indenterminate: 6-11 Appropriate: 12 and up Suggested: 17
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AGE
Inappropriate: 5 and under Indenterminate: 6-11 Appropriate: 12 and up Suggested: 17
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Kid, 11 years old
May 12, 2010
AGE
Inappropriate: 5 and under Indenterminate: 6-11 Appropriate: 12 and up Suggested: 17
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Kid, 12 years old
May 12, 2010
AGE
Inappropriate: 5 and under Indenterminate: 6-11 Appropriate: 12 and up Suggested: 17
Was this review useful?
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AGE
Inappropriate: 5 and under Indenterminate: 6-11 Appropriate: 12 and up Suggested: 17
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| TV rating: | TV-14 |
| Networks: | Fox, Syndicated |
| Cast: | Burt Lancaster, Harry Newman |
| Genre: | Reality TV |
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