Criminal Minds

Early episodes lack the diversity of later ones, but the show grows to incorporate strong female role models, as well as an ethnically diverse central team. It won a Diversity Award in 2006. But it doesn't show LGBTQ+ representation beyond a few guest characters. Mental illness is often associated with violent crimes on the show -- a link that isn't true and reinforces negative stereotypes about people with mental health issues. Occasional sexist jokes early on, such as a man telling a woman to "show a little leg."

Each episode includes a violent crime, and most show bloody gore, close-ups of wounds, and dead bodies. Brutal crimes are investigated, including scenes of and references to torture, drownings, shootings, kidnappings, explosions, people on fire, cutting off body parts, pouring acid down throats, cannibalism, and terrorism. Sexual violence is mentioned frequently, including rape, necrophilia, and pedophilia. Crimes are committed against children and teens. Self-harm and suicide are shown on-screen. The death penalty is also a theme.

Innuendo among the team. Characters kiss on lips, and sex is implied -- partial nudity shown. Reference to adultery. See Violence & Scariness section for more content concerning violence of a sexual nature.

Language includes "hell," "damn," "frickin'," "ass," and "a--hole," as well as occasional stronger language such as "f--k" and "s--t" in later seasons.

Characters smoke cigarettes and drink alcohol on many occasions; some get drunk. Drugs mentioned, including cocaine and heroin. References to drug addiction. Hallucinogenic given to victims by killers.

Parents need to know that Criminal Minds is a crime procedural series with a total of 16 seasons. It's full of brutal, realistic depictions of violence, including torture, shootings, stabbings, and bloody casualties, with dead bodies shown. Mature topics range from sex crimes and mental illness to terrorism and capital punishment. Rape, pedophilia, and self-harm are also recurring themes. Violence is milder in early seasons, as is the language, which includes "s--t" and "f--k" later on. Characters drink, smoke cigarettes, and reference drugs. Alongside the intensely gruesome crimes are positive messages, and the central characters demonstrate teamwork, perseverance, communication, kindness, and respect. As the seasons go on, the show portrays more racial diversity among the main cast, as well as stronger female role models. The relationships within the team are central to the show, and there are moments of warmth and humor to break up the darker material.