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NCIS: Los Angeles

(Rated TV-14, Drama, Starring Chris O'Donnell, LL Cool J, Linda Hunt, Where to watch: CBS)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 13, age appropriate for kids over 17; suggested age 14.
  • Is it any good?

    2.0
  • Common Sense says

    Formulaic crime show spin-off breaks little new ground.

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 14–17

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    The military investigators always prevail, no matter how dangerous their assignment. The show makes it seem like good training, high-tech gear, and a team of daring agents can't be defeated.
  • Role models:

    The characters aren't fleshed out very well, and they all fall into rather clichéd roles: the tech whiz, the gutsy agent with the mysterious back story, the dependable partner, and so on. That said, they're clearly working for the causes of truth and justice.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence:

    Plenty of action, including car chases, explosions, shootouts, fistfights, and other mayhem. People are shot and sometimes die, and a few of the incidents are shown in some detail -- though not generally in an explicit or gory manner.
  • Sex:

    Some flirting/banter/innuendo, but little real romance.
  • Language:

    On the milder side for a primetime drama.
  • Consumerism:

    Some car brands are mentioned by name or appear on-screen, notably the Chevy Impala and Mercedes Benz.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Some of the villains include drug cartels.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About NCIS: Los Angeles

Parents need to know that this spin-off of popular crime drama NCIS is very similar to its parent show, focusing on a U.S. Navy unit that investigates crimes involving military personnel. Expect fairly frequent (though not overly graphic) violence, including car chases, shootouts, fistfights, and explosions -- but it's light on swearing, drinking, and sex.

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Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about TV crime dramas. What does this show have in common with other procedural series? Why do you think this type of series continues to have such strong appeal?
  • How does the violence on this show compare to that on other crime dramas? Do crime shows have to be violent to be entertaining?
  • Most people think about battleships and sailors when they think of the Navy, but the special unit on this show is more akin to the FBI. Were you aware that that there are such parts of the military? How do most TV shows and films portray the military culture?

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Our Members Say

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Most Recent Reviews

  1. Parent Reviewer
    I rate this title on for age 13 and give it 4.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence

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

    Great show for teens!

    If this was a movie, it would defiently be rated a PG-13. It's not appropriate for younger kids, but teens will enjoy the action and beautiful locale, as well as the high-tech crime solving gadgets and character friendships (NOTE: they don't all sleep with each other!). Another great point is the lack of sexual content and excessive bad launguage.

  2. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Georgia
    I rate this title iffy for age 17 and give it 5.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence
    • Inappropriate sexual content

    Prefer my teen does not watch but won't go ballistic if she does

    Good spin-off show but for adults

  3. Kid Reviewer Age 9
    I rate this title on for age 13 and give it 5.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence
    • Inappropriate language

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

    Wonderful TV show if you want some action and humor in one.

    I think this is a wonderful TV show, although some laguage and violence is not appropriate for younger children.

  4. Teen Reviewer Age 13
    I rate this title on for age 8 and give it 3.0

    Totally appropriate, but just not as great as the real NCIS

  5. Teen Reviewer Age 14
    I rate this title on for age 10 and give it 4.0
    • My highlights are:
    • Positive messages
    • Good role models

    Fairly decent show; better for young children than it's competitors.

    A not too violent TV show with virtually no language or sexually provocative themes (so far).

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