Parents' Guide to Criminal Code

TV Netflix Drama 2023
Criminal Code TV show poster: In front of a city skyline at dusk a female police officer holding a guy stands in front of a man also holding a large firearm.

Common Sense Media Review

Stephanie Morgan By Stephanie Morgan , based on child development research. How do we rate?

age 15+

Bank heist police drama has drugs, violence, sex.

Parents Need to Know

Why Age 15+?

Any Positive Content?

Parent and Kid Reviews

What's the Story?

CRIMINAL CODE is a police drama based on a true story that's centered on cartel violence, drug smuggling, and bank heists that occur across the Brazil-Paraguay border. The series begins with a female police officer (Maeve Jinkings) returning to the field to work alongside a troubled male officer (Romulo Brago) whose partner was recently killed in the line of duty. Things take a turn when the duo discovers a way to use DNA evidence to lead them to a large sum of stolen cash.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say : Not yet rated
Kids say : Not yet rated

A Brazilian series that uses gritty, cinematic shots to attempt to draw viewers in but stumbles with a disjointed tale that flips between the present and the past. Audiences will struggle to connect with Criminal Code's wooden main characters, particularly the show's central duo, whose lack of chemistry can be mostly attributed to the male lead's underwhelming performance. The plot unfolds with predictable scenarios: a cop driven by the need to avenge his partner's killer, an unyielding boss pushing him to rogue actions, a by-the-book partner, and a cliched turf war between police precincts. Sadly, these elements fail to offer any type of fresh narrative, making Criminal Code just another formulaic addition to the crime drama genre.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about what seems realistic or implausible about what the characters are doing around drugs and drinking. What are the consequences?

  • Discuss with teens the effect of exhilarating media like violent movies and video games on their brains. What are some good ways to take a break if their emotional engagement feels too intense?

  • Are the sexy moments in this show realistic? What purpose do they serve?

TV Details

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Criminal Code TV show poster: In front of a city skyline at dusk a female police officer holding a guy stands in front of a man also holding a large firearm.

What to Watch Next

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