Criminal Minds

TV review by Elliot Panek, Common Sense Media
Criminal Minds Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 15+

Long-running crime drama has intense violence.

CBS Drama 2005
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Parents say

age 14+

Based on 43 reviews

Kids say

age 13+

Based on 189 reviews

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A Lot or a Little?

The parents' guide to what's in this TV show.

What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that Criminal Minds is a crime procedural series with a total of 16 seasons. It's full of brutal, realistic depictions of violence, including torture, shootings, stabbings, and bloody casualties, with dead bodies shown. Mature topics range from sex crimes and mental illness to terrorism and capital punishment. Rape, pedophilia, and self-harm are also recurring themes. Violence is milder in early seasons, as is the language, which includes "s--t" and "f--k" later on. Characters drink, smoke cigarettes, and reference drugs. Alongside the intensely gruesome crimes are positive messages, and the central characters demonstrate teamwork, perseverance, communication, kindness, and respect. As the seasons go on, the show portrays more racial diversity among the main cast, as well as stronger female role models. The relationships within the team are central to the show, and there are moments of warmth and humor to break up the darker material.

Community Reviews

jcattelaine84
jcattelaine84 Adult
November 28, 2020
age 15+

Criminal Minds: Is it Appropriate?

First of all, I'd like to say that this is probably my favorite show. It is captivating and the acting is very good, and it is so interesting! But, it is definitely a mature show. Viewers are exposed to lots of gore, blood, and disturbing body parts and dead bodies in crimes. Rape and sexual assault are major themes in episodes, as well as sexual sadism. Many crimes are targeted against young women (especially traditionally pretty ones), which may cause young women to feel paranoid and nervous about everyone (it really just depends on the person). One of my favorite parts of the show is the psychology of criminals, especially murderers and serial killers, which is sometimes disturbing. Mental illness and drugs causing violence is also a theme. Ultimately, I would not expose a child under 13 or 14 to this amount of violence, but you really should make your decision based on the maturity of your child. I would say that 13, 14, or 15 would be a reasonable age for most children. I hope that this helped your decision!

This title has:

Great role models
Too much violence
3 people found this helpful.
biggestfanofthis
biggestfanofthis Adult
August 14, 2021
age 12+

LOVE THIS SHOW! Common Sense Media is wayyyy off

I love Criminal Minds and just finished the series for the 2nd time! I think a mature 10 year old could handle it but its totally fine for a 12 year old. There are a few bad scenes, but nowadays tweens have seen it all. I love this show, no doubt! It's fine for tweens and teens.
1 person found this helpful.
See all 43 parent reviews

What's the Story?

CRIMINAL MINDS follows a team of FBI psychological profilers as they track down criminals. Led by agents including Jason Gideon (Mandy Patinkin), Aaron Hotchner (Thomas Gibson), Jennifer "J.J." Jareau (A.J. Cook), and David Rossi (Joe Mantegna), the profilers use their encyclopedic knowledge of the human mind and patterns of behavior, along with cutting-edge technology, to read the minds of the killers and get ahead of their next moves.

Is It Any Good?

Like most good crime dramas, this long-running series offers detective stories full of interesting details and lots of suspense. Despite the occasional lack of originality and endless violent moments, Criminal Minds has garnered decades' worth of loyal fans. It has also inspired spin-offs: Criminal Minds: Suspect Behavior and Criminal Minds: Beyond Borders.

Over the years, characters played by actors such as Jeanne Tripplehorn, Cook, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Damon Gupton, Paget Brewster, and Aisha Tyler have come and (sometimes) gone. But the show's longevity is due to its compelling narratives, and it became a pop culture favorite thanks to its insertion of notable quotes that summarize the significance of each episode. For those able to stomach intense violence and gore, this is a smart, darkly funny, and intriguing series worth tuning into.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the amount of violence in crime dramas -- particularly in Criminal Minds. How realistic are these programs' storylines? Is violence exaggerated for the sake of dramatic tension, or is it merely a reflection of the world we live in? What do you think draws viewers into plots that are essentially designed to disturb them?

  • How does the show compare with other crime dramas on television? Does it do anything differently to distinguish itself from similar series? How do the characters demonstrate communication, perseverance, and teamwork? Why are these important character strengths?

  • Over the years, the show developed some strong female role models. Who are your favorite women on the show, and what might make them inspirational to viewers? Do they go against stereotypes in any ways?

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