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The Listener

(Rated TV-14, Drama, Starring Craig Olejnik, Ennis Esmer, Lisa Marcos, Where to watch: NBC, Online)

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 11, age appropriate for kids over 13; suggested age 13.

  • Is it any good?

    2.0

  • Common Sense says

    Mind-reading paramedic helps others in formulaic drama.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 13 and Up

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    The main character has the ability to read people’s thoughts and tries to use this talent to help others without revealing his secret. This sometimes leads to complicated conversations when people -- including some very curious police detectives -- wonder how he knows what he knows.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence:

    Some violence, including fistfights and gunplay, but little explicit gore.

  • Sex:

    No sex, but a few subtle references to love and romance, and many of the female characters flirt with Toby.

  • Language:

    Not an issue.

  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Not an issue.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About The Listener

Parents need to know that this formulaic drama focuses on paramedic who can secretly read minds. His job brings him into contact with people in difficult situations, and he uses his talent to help them. There's some non-explicit violence and a little flirting, but no strong parental red flags.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about the popularity of characters with special abilities that let them see through the lies and deceptions that fool other cops, helping them solve crimes and rescue people in distress. Why is this such a popular twist on the detective genre? How is this show similar to others? How is it different? Does it make a difference that Toby actually does have a special ability?
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