i love this show its very entertaining and i cant change the channel and the actors are very good one day i want to do what they do!!
CSI: Crime Scene Investigation
(Rated TV-14, Drama, Starring William L. Petersen, Marg Helgenberger, Gary Dourdan, Where to watch: CBS, DVD, Online)
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Is it age appropriate?
About our ratings -
Is it any good?
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Common Sense says
Science prevails in mature, top-rated crime show.
Why We Rated This 
for Ages 15–18
What to watch out for
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Role models:
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Violence:
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Sex:
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Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
What Parents Need to Know
This review of CSI: Crime Scene Investigation was written by Sierra Filucci
Parents need to know that this popular crime show features strong doses of graphic violence, as well as lots of blood, drug use, and sexual situations. Although the series' focus is on solving crimes and seeking justice, the violence is sometimes gratuitous. Character development is much less important than depicting the crimes; as a consequence, the show lacks a certain emotional resonance. Plots focusing on unusual lifestyles are treated with respect.
Families Can Talk About
Talk to your kids about the media in their life. We have more tools and tips that can help
- Families can talk about why the show repeatedly focuses on abuse against vulnerable people. Is this a reflection of reality?
- How do kids feel when they see gory images, even in the context of scientific discovery?
- What fascinates kids about the methods the investigators use to solve the crimes? Do you think the show's use of technology is realistic?
Have you seen it? Review It!
More on CSI: Crime Scene Investigation
What’s the Story?
Set against the flashy backdrop of Las Vegas, CSI: CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION follows a smart, good-looking crime lab crew as they use science and technology to solve the city's most gruesome crimes. Most episodes begin shortly before a victim is found dead, giving viewers a hint of what happened before the crime lab gets involved. Then the steel-stomached investigators arrive: Brainy, bug-obsessed Gil Grissom (William Petersen) heads the team; former exotic dancer and single mother Catherine Willows (Marg Helgenberger) is a supervisor; and Warrick Brown (Gary Dourdan), Nick Stokes (George Eads), and Sara Sidle (Jorja Fox) round out the rest of the cast. Rubber gloves, cotton swabs, fingerprint lifters, and keen senses play key roles in the initial evidence collection. Back at the lab, the crew tries to reconstruct the crime scene, testing theories against the evidence until the truth is revealed.
Is It Any Good?
Regularly staking out the top spot in the Nielsen ratings, CSI has had a broader affect on the real world. Universities across the country have seen an increase in enrollment in forensic science programs, and lawyers are finding that jurors are more familiar with DNA evidence and other forensic processes. This documented phenomenon is called "the CSI effect." People love the show because of its voyeuristic appeal; plus, no matter how bizarre the crime, Grissom and his team can always solve it, offering a satisfying conclusion each week.
The show's success has resulted in two CBS offshoots to date (as well as numerous imitators on other networks): CSI: Miami and CSI: NY. While both of these shows have strong followings, neither rises to the level of the original in casting, characterization, or complexity.
Our Members Say
See all 37 member reviews
Most Recent Reviews
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I rate this title iffy for age 13 and give it
- My concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- Inappropriate language
- Drinking, smoking, or drug use
- My highlights are:
- Good role models
crime
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I rate this title on for age 12 and give it
- My concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- My highlights are:
- Good role models
great crime show, middle school and up
I love this show! this is definitely a top crime show. but every episode does have violence that maybe iffy for kids 11-. there can be some sexual content but is generally not that bad. this can definitely scare kids 9-. but the detectives are good role models showing crime doesnt pay.
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I rate this title off for age 6 and give it
- My concerns are:
- Inappropriate language
- My highlights are:
- Good role models
Unnice Words are for Wierd Als Only
That Belongs to the Wierd Als
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I rate this title iffy for age 14 and give it
- My concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- Negative role models
grusome 14 up
very good
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I rate this title on for age 13 and give it
- My concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- Inappropriate sexual content
- Drinking, smoking, or drug use
- Negative role models
13+
I love this show, but for younger kids no. Really is Crime scene investigation so theres going to be drugs death ect.
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Ratings at a Glance
| 100% | of parents say there are good role models |
| 100% | of parents say it gives kids positive messages |
| 100% | of parents say it has language their kids can't use |
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