Parents' Guide to

Criminal Minds

By Elliot Panek, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 15+

Long-running crime drama has intense violence.

TV CBS Drama 2005
Criminal Minds Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this TV show.

Community Reviews

age 14+

Based on 38 parent reviews

age 15+

Criminal Minds: Is it Appropriate?

First of all, I'd like to say that this is probably my favorite show. It is captivating and the acting is very good, and it is so interesting! But, it is definitely a mature show. Viewers are exposed to lots of gore, blood, and disturbing body parts and dead bodies in crimes. Rape and sexual assault are major themes in episodes, as well as sexual sadism. Many crimes are targeted against young women (especially traditionally pretty ones), which may cause young women to feel paranoid and nervous about everyone (it really just depends on the person). One of my favorite parts of the show is the psychology of criminals, especially murderers and serial killers, which is sometimes disturbing. Mental illness and drugs causing violence is also a theme. Ultimately, I would not expose a child under 13 or 14 to this amount of violence, but you really should make your decision based on the maturity of your child. I would say that 13, 14, or 15 would be a reasonable age for most children. I hope that this helped your decision!

This title has:

Great role models
Too much violence
3 people found this helpful.
age 12+

LOVE THIS SHOW! Common Sense Media is wayyyy off

I love Criminal Minds and just finished the series for the 2nd time! I think a mature 10 year old could handle it but its totally fine for a 12 year old. There are a few bad scenes, but nowadays tweens have seen it all. I love this show, no doubt! It's fine for tweens and teens.
1 person found this helpful.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (38):
Kids say (188):

Like most good crime dramas, this long-running series offers detective stories full of interesting details and lots of suspense. Despite the occasional lack of originality and endless violent moments, Criminal Minds has garnered decades' worth of loyal fans. It has also inspired spin-offs: Criminal Minds: Suspect Behavior and Criminal Minds: Beyond Borders.

Over the years, characters played by actors such as Jeanne Tripplehorn, Cook, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Damon Gupton, Paget Brewster, and Aisha Tyler have come and (sometimes) gone. But the show's longevity is due to its compelling narratives, and it became a pop culture favorite thanks to its insertion of notable quotes that summarize the significance of each episode. For those able to stomach intense violence and gore, this is a smart, darkly funny, and intriguing series worth tuning into.

TV Details

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