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The Mentalist

(Rated TV-14, Drama, Starring Robin Tunney, Simon Baker, Tim Kang, Where to watch: CBS, DVD, Online)
  • 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?

    3.0
  • Common Sense says

    Mature crime drama mixes skepticism, violence.

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 15–18

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    Discredits the work of psychics and others who claim paranormal abilities by showing how they "trick" people. Occasionally discusses the existence of God, the afterlife, and other spiritual issues. The CBI team consists of both men and women; limited racial/ethnic diversity in the cast.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence:

    Shows people getting shot and killed at point-blank range; bloody bullet holes are clearly visible. Also includes images of people who've been violently assaulted and bludgeoned to death and frequent discussions about serial killings and other violent behavior. Bloody drawings are visible on the walls of some crime scenes.
  • Sex:

    Some strong sexual innuendoes, including references to sadomasochism. Crude words like "banging" and "screw" are sometimes used to describe sexual acts.
  • Language:

    Language includes "bitch," "hell," "jackass," and "bastard."
  • Consumerism:

    The United Airlines logo is sometimes visible.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Alcohol and prescription pills are occasionally visible. Storylines have the potential to deal with drug-related issues.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About The Mentalist

Parents need to know that this crime series has scenes of bloody violence, including images of people getting stunned, shot, and bludgeoned to death, as well as things like symbols painted on walls in blood. Characters also frequently discuss grim topics like serial killings and other violent behavior. Expect plenty of strong language ("bitch," "hell," "bastard") and sexual innuendo, as well as some drinking. Some viewers may not agree with the series' central premise: that psychic mediums are frauds.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about how the show portrays psychics. How have other TV series (both dramas and reality shows) and movies depicted them? Do you think real-life psychics fill similar roles solving crimes? Also, do you think well-known real-life psychics have paranormal gifts, or are they just good observers or "magicians"?

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Our Members Say

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  • What did you think about The Mentalist?
  •  I think this show is

    for ages

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See all 7 member reviews

Most Recent Reviews

  1. Teen Reviewer Age 13
    I rate this title iffy for age 9 and give it 5.0
    • My highlights are:
    • Good role models

    Great TV show!

    I love this TV show! I think it discusses real life issues, it's not like this stuff doesn't happen in real life. I realize that the murders can seem brutal, but my little brother (who's 9) and my sister (who's 11) love the show. I think you might have to be a little mature to understand and comprehend everything. But, the charactors are awesome! Go Simon Baker!

  2. Teen Reviewer Age 16
    Lives in Washington
    I rate this title on for age 13 and give it 5.0
    • My highlights are:
    • Positive messages

    I dont know if i am allowed to post this or not but i just got this video for free by doing free offers. All i did was signed up and i did 20 offers which got me tons of points!! and i got this video for free ill show you the step how to get it. 1. Sign up http://tinyurl.com/Freerewards101 2. Do free offers 3. get points 4. Gert your item!

  3. Teen Reviewer Age 13
    Lives in Illinois
    I rate this title on for age 13 and give it 5.0
    My concerns are:
    • Inappropriate sexual content
    • Drinking, smoking, or drug use

    • My highlights are:
    • Positive messages
    • Good role models

    Amazing

    I am 13 years old and this is my favorite show. Depending on how mature the child is I say 12-13+ .

  4. Teen Reviewer Age 14
    Lives in Colorado
    I rate this title on for age 11 and give it 5.0

    AWSOME!!!

    I saw one episode and loved it.

  5. Kid Reviewer Age 12
    Lives in Kansas
    I rate this title on for age 12 and give it 4.0

    VERY awesome show

    i am 12 and i love this show, but it can be bad at times. like the ebisodes said that they were going to have trouble with "country culb cougars" and in that episode it showed 2 women in a bed together. but it is a wonderful show! it just needs a few minor changes. but maybe just for 12+.

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