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The First 48

(Rated TV-14, Reality TV, Starring Dion Graham, Where to watch: A&E, DVD)

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 15, age appropriate for kids over 18; suggested age 15.

  • Is it any good?

    4.0

  • Common Sense says

    Top-notch crime docudrama is too grizzly for kids.

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 15–18

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    The show's message is strongly anti-crime, with some empathy for everyone involved, including young suspects. That said, its content is all about violence and criminals.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence:

    Extremely graphic images of the aftermath of violence, including pools of blood, blood-spattered evidence, and real dead bodies. Some crimes include sexual assault details.

  • Sex:

    Not an issue.

  • Language:

    Occasional "ass" and bleeped "f--k."

  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Some crimes are drug-related.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About The First 48

Parents need to know that this real-life homicide investigation docudrama features extremely graphic scenes and intense emotional moments. Bloody bodies and evidence are common sights, and suspects' reactions and behavior can be heartbreaking. Each episode features the details of several murders; some feature other violent crimes, as well, such as rape and aggravated robbery.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about what they see on the show. Does anything the detectives do surprise you? What are the most effective methods for solving these crimes? Do you feel any empathy for the suspects? What are the extenuating circumstances of the crimes? What would it be like to be followed by a camera if you were a suspect or a victim's family member? How do you think the camera operators feel about their job? How does watching these real-life crime investigations differ from watching fictional ones on shows like CSI?
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Our Members Say

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Most Recent Reviews

  1. Parent Reviewer
    docpainter
    Lives in Minnesota
    I rate this title iffy for age 15 and give it 4.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence
    • Negative message

    perfect for us macabre types

    Way too real for kids. Dark, nasty dead bodies followed by investigation of low life perpretrators.

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
    Flag as inappropriate
  2. Adult Reviewer
    amorde1
    Lives in Wisconsin
    I rate this title iffy for age 17 and give it 4.0

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
    Flag as inappropriate

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