Common Sense Media Review
By Sierra Filucci
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Science prevails in mature, long-running crime procedural.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
CSI: Crime Scene Investigation
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 10 parent reviews
Based on 30 kid reviews
Kids say this show is captivating and entertaining, praised for its intricate storytelling and unique characters, but it contains graphic content that is inappropriate for younger viewers due to violence, gore, and adult themes. Many recommend it for mature teens and suggest adult supervision when watching because of its complex portrayal of crime and its realistic depictions of disturbing subject matter.
- mature content
- viewer discretion
- not for children
- positive role models
- complex themes
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
Set against the flashy backdrop of Las Vegas, CSI: CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION follows a smart, good-looking crime lab crew as they use science and technology to solve the city's most gruesome crimes. Most episodes begin shortly before a victim is found dead, giving viewers a hint of what happened before the crime lab gets involved. Then the steel-stomached investigators arrive: Brainy, bug-obsessed Gil Grissom (William Petersen) is the original head of the team; former exotic dancer and single mother Catherine Willows (Marg Helgenberger) began the series as a supervisor and took over as boss when Grissom retired; and Warrick Brown (Gary Dourdan), Nick Stokes (George Eads), and Sara Sidle (Jorja Fox), Greg Sanders (Eric Szmanda) round out the rest of the cast. Rubber gloves, cotton swabs, fingerprint lifters, and keen senses play key roles in the initial evidence collection. Back at the lab, the crew tries to reconstruct the crime scene, testing theories against the evidence until the truth is revealed.
Is It Any Good?
Regularly staking out the top spot in the Nielsen ratings, CSI has had a broader affect on the real world. Universities across the country have seen an increase in enrollment in forensic science programs, and lawyers are finding that jurors are more familiar with DNA evidence and other forensic processes. This documented phenomenon is called "the CSI effect." People love the show because of its voyeuristic appeal; plus, no matter how bizarre the crime, the CSI team can always solve it, offering a satisfying conclusion each week.
The show's success has resulted in two CBS offshoots to date (as well as numerous imitators on other networks): CSI: Miami and CSI: NY. While both of these shows have strong followings, neither rises to the level of the original in casting, characterization, or complexity.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about why the show repeatedly focuses on abuse against vulnerable people. Is this a reflection of reality?
How do kids feel when they see gory images, even in the context of scientific discovery?
What fascinates kids about the methods the investigators use to solve the crimes? Do you think the show's use of technology is realistic?
TV Details
- Premiere date : October 6, 2000
- Cast : Gary Dourdan , Marg Helgenberger , William L. Petersen
- Network : CBS
- Genre : Drama
- TV rating :
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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