 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Murder, She Wrote
- A&E, Biography Channel, Hallmark Channel, Syndicated
- Genre: Drama
Common Sense Media says
Simple crime drama is tame by today's standards.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that although the violence in this fan-favorite crime drama is extremely tame compared to many of today's graphic series (almost to the point of being a bit cheesy), each episode does revolve around a murder investigation. The deadly confrontation is often shown on screen, as well as several scenes of the corpse and the crime scene (often blood-stained). The heroine is a successful, self-confident woman whose determined inquiries and attention to detail often outshine the work of professional detectives.
What's the story?
In its 12-year run on CBS (from 1984 to 1996), MURDER, SHE WROTE followed the many adventures and investigations of the indomitable mystery writer (Angela Lansbury), a retired teacher with an insatiable thirst for knowledge who lives in the quaint town of Cabot Cove, Maine. When she's not tapping away at her typewriter, Jessica is often out about town or traveling to visit the inexhaustible bevy of friends and family she has throughout the world, where, amazingly, she almost always stumbles onto the scene of yet another murder in need of a determined gumshoe. And with each mystery she helps solve, she gets inspiration for her next best-selling novel. Jessica's curiosity often leads her to poke her nose in police affairs, and while the Cabot Cove sheriff's department is accustomed to her friendly meddling, other law officers who don't know her (and are often looking for a quick-and-easy solution to the crime) find her inquiries irritating. In the end, though, Jessica's sugary charm and knack for asking just the right questions out the real bad guys and saves the day, and she makes new fans with every case she cracks.
Is it any good?
More than two decades after its debut, Murder, She Wrote continues to engage audiences with its endearing heroine and an ever-changing cast of guest stars that, through the years, included soon-to-be-familiar faces like George Clooney, Courteney Cox, and Marcia Cross. But crime-drama buffs take note: This is no Law & Order or CSI. The action is slow, and characters rely more on chance eavesdropping or friendly conversation than on actual interrogation to gather information. Foot chases are rare, and hardened criminals even rarer. Overall it's a fantasy world for detective work, where the bad guys stand out, tense situations are often tempered by wry humor, and loose ends are tied up in a nice, neat package by show's end.
The only real caution for parents of older tweens and up is the potential for some violent images, but the relatively low-key nature of this crime show makes it a decent choice for families. The simplistic, dialogue-based plot, however, may leave kids rolling their eyes.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about how this show is similar to and different from more recent crime dramas. Why do you think newer shows have upped the blood-and-guts level? Are there any shows on the air today that are like this one, or are they all a lot more serious and graphic? Families can also discuss the investigation process. Which clues help detectives find a starting point for their investigations? How do they narrow their searches for clues and suspects? In what ways do the roles of detectives and private investigators differ? Families can also discuss how the justice system works. What rights do all citizens have in the court process? How do those rights protect innocent people? How do they protect criminals?
- Show:
- All members
- Parents
- Teens & kids
AGE
Not for Young Children
I have been watching this show since I was 10, but some parents may not want their 10-year-olds watching this due to the violence and scary content. Overall, the show is very women-empowering. Jessica Fletcher is a wise, sensible and fun character with the smarts and the guts to investigate mysteries and eventually solve them, and find clues the cops always seem to miss. The sexual content is very mild. There is not affairs in every episode, nor is there kissing very frequently. But in some episodes, affairs are common, and almost always the partner knows they are cheating, which seems like a bad message for marriage and relationships. But bad guys never win. It will take you back to simpler days, when blood and unnecessary gore never existed. I love this show, but you need to know your child and find out if you think your child is mature enough for this program. There is mild language, but it is only used out of frustration, and is uncommon.
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AGE
Wise Woman Does Good
fine, strong female lead is superior role model--and familiar, beloved voice (kids will recognize her from Beauty & The Beast and The Last Unicorn!)
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AGE
I love this show!
Most kids probably won't like it, but if they wanna watch it, it should be fine.
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AGE
e and share with eithers
i love murder she wrote, my mom and i have spent many hours watching the show. i have started buying the seasons.
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| TV rating: | TV-PG |
| Networks: | A&E, Biography Channel, Hallmark Channel, Syndicated |
| Cast: | Angela Lansbury, Tom Bosley, William Windom |
| Genre: | Drama |
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