Tools for this page
Print

Flashpoint

(Rated TV-14, Drama, Starring Amy Jo Johnson, Enrico Colantoni, Hugh Dillon, Where to watch: CBS, DVD)

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

    (Flash is loading. If this text does not disappear you need to install the latest flash version)

    Not age appropriate for kids under 14, age appropriate for kids over 18; suggested age 14.

  • Is it any good?

    3.0

  • Common Sense says

    Intense cop show explores effects of violence.

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 14–18

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    The team is regularly thrust into very challenging situations, often involving armed criminals and hostages, and the stakes are literally life-or-death. These trained professionals clearly live for their work and act like they look forward to these incidents. But the show takes pains to show the aftermath of a shooting, when the characters are very obviously distraught after killing a suspect -- even when the act is justified.

  • Violence:

    The show focuses on an elite squad of police officers who are trained to handle the most difficult situations. They have plenty of big weapons and often use them. Even when they're not shooting, the team spends a lot of time dressed in full military-style outfits, looking ready for any kind of action. People are shot and killed, and the scenes can be intense and bloody.

  • Sex:

    No sex or nudity, and not much romance, though the members of the team often tease the only woman in the group about her single status.

  • Language:

    Given the show's intense subject matter, the members of the team are surprisingly clean-mouthed. But words like "damn," "ass," and "hell" do pop up sometimes.

  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Some social drinking at bars.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Flashpoint

Parents need to know that this drama glamorizes the very dangerous work of an elite police team. The Strategic Response Unit is called in to handle hostage situations, standoffs with armed criminals, and other high-stakes incidents. Their uniforms, gear, weapons, and especially their attitude make them seem like a well-trained military squad, with bluster and bravado to spare. The show doesn't have much time for romance, but there's plenty of action (which can get bloody), and the officers are often forced to respond with deadly force. But the show also takes pains to show the emotional impact of these actions, as the characters deal with the aftermath of giving and carrying out fatal orders.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about how the media typically portrays the police. Is this show consistent with that? If not, how is it different? What moral dilemmas do cops regularly have to face? When a suspect is threatening innocent bystanders or law enforcement, do the police have the right -- or even the duty -- to kill them? How would it feel to be the person to make that decision or carry out the order? Do the characters' reactions to the situations they face on this show seem realistic to you? Can showing how characters react to their violent duties be an argument against violence?
Tools and tips that can help

Want more? Get Common Sense recommendations delivered to your inbox.

Our Members Say

Have you seen it? Review It!

  • What did you think about Flashpoint?

  •  I think this show is

    for ages

  •  I also give it

  •  Any concerns?

  •  Any highlights?

  •  Love it? Hate it?

  • or to post a review

Most Recent Reviews

  1. Teen Reviewer Age 14
    Savanna22_2
    I rate this title on for age 12 and give it 5.0

    I personally watch the show and I have a 12 year old sister that watches it took. I think it is one of the best shows i've seen in a long time.

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
    Flag as inappropriate
  2. Adult Reviewer
    Chris LP
    Lives in Louisiana
    I rate this title iffy for age 8 and give it 1.0

    This show is just stupid

    I was very disapointed in this show.

    This review...

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

More Great Stuff For Your Kids

  • Now Playing

    Age 6+
    Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs

    Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs

    Age-apropriate 3-D food adventure doesn't fully satisfy.

  • Tech Tip

    Learn the basics with our latest video.How to Text

    Learn the basics with our latest video.

  • Book of the Week

    Age 15+
    Lips Touch Three Times

    Lips Touch Three Times

    Wildly inventive, wonderful fairy tales for mature teens.

  • Member Buzz

    Sending Mom a TXT

    Sending Mom a TXT

    Is it easier for parents to communicate with their kids via text?

  • Game of the Week

    Age 8+
    LEGO Rock Band

    LEGO Rock Band

    Simplified, no-fail Rock Band with a whimsical story.

Give Us a Minute, Get a Lot of Common Sense!
  • Age-appropriate best bets for your kids
  • Weekly email alert with the latest picks, reviews & advice
  • Post your own reviews and share them with friends
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
A screen name protects your privacy
(It's free!)

Already a member? Log in
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.
To post a review or comment you must become a Common Sense Member. It's easy!
Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations.
A screen name protects your privacy
Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
(optional)
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child

Already a member? Log in
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.
We can make Common Sense just right for you. With a little info about you and your family, you'll get the most out of our site.
Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!
Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child
Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations
A screen name protects your privacy
Already a member? Log in
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.
Register to add this school to your profile. You'll be able to see and share reviews from parents, teachers, and kids at your child's school.
I'm already a Common Sense member.
Kids under 13 must use a screen name
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.