NCIS (CBS)

common sense media says

Upbeat but average crime show with blood, bodies.

parents & educators say

43% say there are positive role models
38% say violence is an issue

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this military investigative drama depicts graphic crime scenes that include blood, gunshot holes, and dead bodies (some of which have been mutilated). Autopsies can also be somewhat graphic, though certain body parts are blurred out. The main characters engage in adult humor, though the content is generally mild. The series reinforces some stereotypes, while others are made more complex.

Positive messages: There is some positive messaging in the portrayal of the officers who attempt to solve the show's crimes, and in their applying specialized knowledge to the investigative process.

Positive role models: The main characters exhibit the typical level of positive behavior associated with the "good guys" on a mainstream network police show, and no significant negative behavior, aside from a lead character who's depicted as a womanizer.

Violence: Crime scenes show blood, crimes themselves can be very violent (disemboweling, tongues cut out), and autopsies can be graphic. Some plots involve serial killers.

Sex: Plenty of sexually-tinged banter and innuendo. While there is discussion of romantic relationships, very little of it is sexual, and what does veer in that direction is tame by prime-time standards.

Language: Some swearing ("ass," "bitch," "damn") and some sexual language play: "pussy ... cat."

Consumerism: No real product placement, though fake Starbucks and Big Gulp cups are visible.

Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Main characters do not smoke, drink obviously, or use drugs. Use may appear in some subplots.

Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

What to talk about

Talk to your kids

Families can talk about any stereotypes they witness while watching. Does the male and female characters' behavior on the show reinforce or combat stereotypes? What's the difference between male and female sexuality on the show?
How realistic are the characters and scenarios on this show? How does the show differ from other crime procedurals?

What's the story?

NCIS is an offshoot of JAG, and, like its predecessor, it takes a military angle on the standard legal/crime procedural drama: The unit's purpose is to investigate crimes involving Navy and Marine Corps personnel. Mark Harmon plays Special Agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs, the man in charge of on-the-ground operations. Gibbs is a serious guy whose impatience with bureaucracy makes you wonder why he chose a career in the military, but whose experience and intensity keep the rest of the team on track. His two main investigators, Anthony "Tony" DiNozzo (Michael Weatherly) and Ziva David (Cote de Pablo), riff with each other constantly, including some sexual banter. Several other characters round out the show, most notably Abby Sciuto (Pauley Perrette), whose gothic style and relentlessly chipper attitude make her an unusual forensic expert. Her geeky personality and propensity for Big Gulp sodas add to her cult appeal.

Is it any good?

For many years, CBS was regarded casually as a network aimed at the elderly. With series such as Murder, She Wrote and the investigative journalism warhorse 60 Minutes, it's easy to understand the generalization. NCIS feels like a leftover from that era of programming; lead investigator Gibbs spends so much time glaring at his younger coworkers that you expect him to explode at any moment with a "Get off my lawn, you hippies!"

Like an engine ground down by years of overuse and poor repairs, NCIS represents the low ebb of the crime procedural drama. Attempts at humor and character development feel forced; the seams begin to show between scenes barely stitched together to propel a murder-of-the-week plot. Despite its flaws, the show maintains an enormous viewership and an upbeat tone that distinguishes it from some of its darker brethren.

TV themes & details

TV Details

TV Rating: TV-14
Network: CBS
Cast: Mark Harmon, Michael Weatherly, Sasha Alexander
Genre: Drama
Where to watch: CBS

This review was written by Sierra Filucci

Review It

What parents & educators say

Based on 21 parent & educator reviews:

43% say there are positive role models
38% say violence is an issue
33% say sexual content is an issue
33% say there are positive messages
29% say language is an issue

Read the reviews

Most useful reviews by all members

dragonrich9
adult

I am watching the episode tht shown at 8 a,m, the boss chases after the criminal at the station, he should take care himself before have himself killed.

What other families should know

TV Details

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Genre

NCIS (CBS)

common sense media says

parents & educators say

What parents need to know

More on NCIS

What to talk about

Talk to your kids

What's the story?

What's the story?

Is it any good?

Is it any good?

TV themes & details

TV Details

Review It

Review NCIS

What parents & educators say

Most useful reviews by all members

Perfect but be a little careful of who you let watch

Every mothers dream.

Awesome show, very little gore or blood

five stars

The awesomeness has reached full scale! Prepare the back-up Ziva-O-meter!

I your good with voilents its GREAT!!

Enjoyable show. Good for adults or teens, not children

good

great if not for language.

really common sense really?

great show and amazing characters

Fine for 11 year olds even younger but watch for the ones rated tv 14

great for ages 11+, but parents should watch it with the younger kids.

It is good for all age's

Great Characters -- Horror Film Plot

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