Common Sense Media Review
By Melissa Camacho
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Sensational docuseries reboot best for serious crime buffs.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Cold Case Files (2017)
What's the Story?
Narrated by Danny Glover, COLD CASE FILES follows the efforts of investigators to solve some of the 120,000 unsolved crime cases in the United States. The reboot of the 1999 series features interviews with the victims' families, detectives, and law enforcement officials on the case discussing what led up to the person's disappearance and the subsequent investigation. Throughout it all, family pictures, archival footage, and reenactments of specific events are also shown. The leads that are followed, the dead ends they hit, and other details are discussed. It points to what details point investigators in the right direction years later, and, when applicable, notes the impact having these crimes solved has on the perpetrators, investigators, and most importantly, those who care about the victim.
Is It Any Good?
The series offers painstakingly slow and sensationalized discussions of murders and other violent acts to make methodical, detailed detective work more interesting for the viewer. But despite the drama, which is amplified with the use of shadowy images and ominous music, it highlights the commitment of people -- ranging from investigators to volunteers -- have shown to solving these cases in order to bring closure to the victims' families.
While it exercises restraint when describing some of the more horrific details of the violent acts committed, Cold Case Files isn't an easy series to watch. It is even harder when it focuses on those crimes committed against children. However, if you're seriously into crime-solving docudramas, this one offers some real-life investigative twists and turns.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about sensationalism. When does a documentary cross the line from being informative to using the information to entertain viewers? Is this appropriate? Does Cold Case Files cross the line?
Shows like Cold Case Files focus on criminal behaviors, including very violent crimes. What kind of impact can this potentially have on viewers, both young and old?
TV Details
- Premiere date : February 27, 2017
- Cast : Danny Glover
- Network : A&E
- Genre : Reality TV
- TV rating :
- Last updated : March 13, 2020
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