Common Sense Media Review
By Sierra Filucci
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Snide spy cracks jokes and shoots kneecaps.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
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Burn Notice
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 13 parent reviews
Based on 22 kid reviews
Kids say this show is both entertaining and realistic, featuring a strong moral compass as the main character helps those in desperate situations, though it's noted that there are some instances of violence and mild language. Despite these concerns, many believe it's suitable for mature viewers, particularly teens, and appreciate the character development and humor throughout the series.
- moral lessons
- entertaining plot
- mild language
- suitable for teens
- character development
- strong role models
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
When spy Michael Westen (Jeffrey Donovan) is inexplicably fired, he decides to find out why. But first he has to use his tactical training to raise enough money to fund his investigation. BURN NOTICE (the term for "pink slip" in spy language) follows Michael through the bikini-speckled world of Miami as he takes on odd spying jobs, collaborates with friends and an ex-girlfriend (Gabrielle Anwar) -- all of whom may not be reliable -- and avoids his hypochondriac mother (Sharon Gless).
Is It Any Good?
Burn Notice is a lighthearted spy drama that combines thrills with laughs -- Michael's snide sense of humor takes the edge off the occasional bullet to the knee. Part nerd, part soldier, Michael definitely has a soft side, and despite his skill at breaking elbows, he prefers cleverness to brute strength ("Guns are stupid. Better to fight your wars with duct tape. Duct tape makes you smart."). That softer side plays a key part in how Michael approaches the cases he takes on. For example, in one episode he reluctantly takes a low-paying gig because he's desperate for the cash, but once he solves the case -- a rich bad guy is framing a working single dad -- he gives the job all he's got, even teaching the man's 8-year-old son how to battle the bullies harassing him at school.
Overall, Burn Notice is a lot of fun. It's got action, a unique lead character, and fun, MacGyver-esque techno-tricks. Despite some of the adult elements, teens should be able to handle most of the material. And even though Westen is capable of doing violent things, his heart is in the right place.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the media's portrayal of spies and private investigators. What kinds of laws do these characters break in TV shows and movies? Do you think it's OK to break the law if you're fighting for the good guys? Who determines who the "good guys" are, anyway? How can you usually tell who's good and who's bad in shows and movies? Is that very realistic?
TV Details
- Premiere date : June 28, 2007
- Cast : Bruce Campbell , Gabrielle Anwar , Jeffrey Donovan
- Networks : Syndicated , USA
- Genre : Drama
- TV rating :
- Last updated : September 21, 2019
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