 | 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. |
NCIS
Common Sense Media says
Upbeat but average crime show with blood, bodies.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
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.
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.
Explore, discuss, enjoy
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?
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Kid, 12 years old
December 19, 2010
AGE
The awesomeness has reached full scale! Prepare the back-up Ziva-O-meter!
This is one of the best shows ever! What surprises me is the age everyone is giving this! I have a 7 year old friend who loves this show! People, NCIS was meant to be shared. The action is wonderful, with some humor and wonder splashed here and there. This is really a show for the whole family. WARNING!!! If you have a weak stomach, avoid! There are several autopsy scenes, as excpected from this kind of show.
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Parent of 4 year old
September 23, 2010
AGE
loves it!
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Teen, 13 years old
September 12, 2010
AGE
really common sense really?
just because csi was the first crime show ever or something doesnt mean it is a spinoff its a very orginal show. dinozzos antics are ment to be comical. its television what do you expect? a bunch of ppl sitting in desks making phones calls? no one would watch it
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Parent of 11 and 15 year old
September 18, 2009
AGE
I've let my kids watch most episodes of NCIS. I usually preview first if it's a PG14. I'll sometimes restrict it. To be honest, the violence doesn't bother me too much. What I like about this crime drama over so many others, is that the people have integrity and honor. They care. Too often today the bad guys win anyway. Not on NCIS. One character is a very smart goth with a heart of gold. One is an ex-marine who lost his wife and child to a murderer. One is an Israeli working with US navy employees. Other characters are also quirky which makes the show funny. The show has some stereotyping but it seems to promote story lines that actually break those down. Promoting hard work and science is always a good thing. Overall I see the show as positive.
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Parent of 10 and 14 year old
August 12, 2009
AGE
As an adult, I really enjoy this show but will change the channel quickly when my children enter the room. Too violent for younger teens.
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Teen, 13 years old
December 8, 2010
AGE
I your good with voilents its GREAT!!
I LOVE THIS SHOW!!!!
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Adult
November 17, 2010
AGE
Enjoyable show. Good for adults or teens, not children
I really like this show for me, but would not suggest for young teens.
I enjoy the 'action and mystery' elements of the show, as well as the relationships of all the characters and how they interact with each other.
Every episode as violence and mild swearing.
Dead corpses are props in nearly every episode, which I don't really like because it degrades the human body to being just another piece of evidence, instead of viewing it as a 'life' (which I get that NCIS has to be non-emotional to do their job, but still...)
As far as sexual content, there is frequent sexual innuendos between the characters, occasionally you see a character in bed with a partner (not necessarily a graphic scene, just big implications).
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Teen, 13 years old
October 10, 2010
AGE
Perfect but be a little careful of who you let watch
One of my favorite crime shows. I have no problem with the plots but some of the flash backs to the crimes can be a little disturbing. There are suggesting comments alot but with a lot of humor.
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Teen, 14 years old
January 26, 2011
AGE
great for ages 11+, but parents should watch it with the younger kids.
i'm 14 and i NEVER miss an episode. i have watched this show since i was 11, if they did do some things, it wouldn't rly bother or concern me. every week i watch it! i have nvr missed an episode. yea there is some cursing, but in my school, it's nothing u've nvr heard b4. they actually dnt say the worser(is that a word? when i say it my mom always corrects me and says its not right.)things that they say in my school. there is a little sexual behavior, but once again it's not like we rnt learning about it in health eventually. also there is fighting, but it's a crime show, what do u expect? seriously, it's funny anyway! even if they do do(hehe) some things, they make it rly funny.LOL
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Teen, 15 years old
January 30, 2011
AGE
NCIS is an excellent show for kids and adults.
It has strong role models, first of all. The characters are strong, independent, and can kick down a door whenever they want to. They fight for justice.
The television show is mingled with plenty of inside jokes now that its been running for a while, along with running story lines. The main idea, however, is to solve this crime, banter, and run around with guns and whatnot. It's a great show.
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| TV rating: | TV-14 |
| Network: | CBS |
| Cast: | Mark Harmon, Michael Weatherly, Sasha Alexander |
| Genre: | Drama |
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