Terriers

Review

Common Sense Media says

Witty, suspenseful P.I. dramedy isn't meant for kids.
greenON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
yellowPAUSE: Know your child; some content
may not be right for some kids.
redOFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
not for kidsNOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age.

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Quality
 
Sometimes media can be age appropriate but a real waste of time. Our star rating assesses the media's overall quality.

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Parents say

Not yet rated

Kids say

Not yet rated

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this dramatic comedy series about friends/unconventional private eyes has lots of adult content, including unbleeped language (“s--t”) and some sexual activity and partial nudity (bare buttocks are visible). Physical assaults, gun violence, and bloody gunshot wounds are also visible, and alcohol addiction and drug use are major themes. Teens with a taste for edgy fare will probably be drawn to it, but parents will want to exercise caution before giving the OK to tune in.

  • Positive messages0
    While the series sends strong messages about the necessity to fight addiction and the importance of friendship and relationships, it also has a strong focus on themes like murder, illegal activities, addiction, and unethical ways of doing business.
  • Positive role models0
    Dolworth and Pollack are good friends with ultimately good motives, but they're also guys who aren't afraid to engage in illicit tactics to get information. Dolworth is a recovering alcoholic who's now clean and encourages others to get help.
  • Violence3
    Some punching, kicking, fighting, throwing, and gun violence. Bloody gun shot wounds (usually on murder victims) are clearly visible.
  • Sex4
    Sexual acts -- including people in partial stages of undress and brief partial nudity (bare buttocks) -- are visible.
  • Language4
    Words like “ass,”  “pissed,” “goddamn,“ and “s--t” are audible. Also some slang like “boned."
  • Consumerism2
    Apple iPhones are clearly visible (and talked about).
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking3
    Alcoholism is a major theme of the show. Hank is a recovering alcoholic; some of his former colleagues continue to drink. Beer and wine drinking are visible. References to drugs like speed. Cigarettes are also visible; references are made to quitting.
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What's the story?

TERRIERS follows ex-cop/recovering alcoholic Hank Dolworth (Donal Logue) and his best friend, Britt Pollack (Michael Raymond-James), who've partnered to create a small, unlicensed private investigation business. When the ragtag duo uncovers evidence that leads to a murder investigation of one of Ocean Town’s most powerful residents, they use Dolworth’s police smarts and some questionable tactics to conduct their own inquiries. Things get even more complicated thanks to Hank’s ex-wife, Gretchen (Kimberly Quinn), and his former partner, Detective Mark Gustafson (Rockmond Dunbar). Meanwhile, Britt attempts to balance his life helping his BFF while keeping his relationship with girlfriend Katie (Laura Allen) going. Throughout it all, friend/attorney Maggie Lefferts (Jamie Denbo) is there to offer her legal advice.

Is it any good?

 

This adult-oriented series successfully combines quick-witted humor and suspenseful drama to create a show that's plenty of fun to watch. The main characters are extremely likable despite being chronically flawed, and the show’s effective writing makes its otherwise ordinary storylines more interesting.

People who like investigative TV shows will enjoy this series. But while it’s entertaining, some of its content is decidedly adult. Still, for viewers both old and mature enough to handle it, Terriers offers up some solid entertainment.

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What families can talk about

  • Families can talk about how this show compares to others about private investigators. What do the characters have in common with other TV P.I.s? How are they different?

  • How does the media typically portray addicted characters? Do you think they're there to teach viewers something? Parents: Get tips on talking to your teens about some of these issues.

This review was written by Melissa Camacho

There aren't any reviews yet. Be the first to review this title below.
This review was written by Melissa Camacho
TV rating:TV-MA
Network:FX
Cast:Donal Logue, Kimberly Quinn, Michael Raymond-James
Genre:Drama
This review was written by Melissa Camacho
 

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About our rating system
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.
Learning ratings
BEST: Really engaging, great learning approach.
GOOD: Pretty engaging, good learning approach.
FAIR: Somewhat engaging, OK learning approach.
NOT FOR LEARNING: Not recommended for learning.
Our child development rating guidelines

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