Common Sense Media Review
By Sierra Filucci
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Lesser cousin of mature, top-rated crime show.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
CSI: Miami
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 8 parent reviews
Based on 17 kid reviews
Kids say the show is generally well-regarded, with many praising its engaging plots and character development, especially noting that it is suitable for mature teens and older kids when watched with adults. However, reviewers caution that the series includes disturbing content, such as violence and sexual themes, which may make it inappropriate for younger viewers.
- engaging plots
- suitable for teens
- disturbing content
- watch with adults
- strong character development
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
Like CSI: NY, CSI: MIAMI is an offshoot of the original, Las Vegas-set CSI. As in that series, the action here follows the city's crime scene investigators as they attempt to solve crimes using forensic evidence. The team employs science and technology -- as well as good training and smarts -- to unpeel layers and sort out scenarios until they reveal the truth. Unlike the largely nighttime setting of the original CSI, CSI: Miami plays out in the daylight, with sweeping views of gorgeous blue ocean and busty, bikini-clad women on the beach. Like CSI's Gil Grissom (William Petersen), CSI: Miami team leader Horatio Caine (NYPD Blue's David Caruso) is an intense, wise, and solemn man.
Is It Any Good?
Staying consistent with the CSI franchise, the crimes the Miami team investigates can be gruesome and scary, and are not recommended fare for younger viewers. Many of the crimes involve women and sometimes children as well. The action largely follows the investigation -- rather than focusing on playing out the crime on the screen -- but viewers still see dead bodies, tortured victims, and violent crimes occurring in cinematic flashbacks.
While CSI: Miami has its avid followers, unlike the original CSI's Grissom, Horatio doesn't compel the same attention and affection. And the rest of the team seems less of an integrated whole than a bunch of independent characters -- some more interesting than others.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the show's violence. Do you think the kinds of victims depicted on the show reflect real-life crime? Families can also discuss how science and technology are used to solve crimes. Does this series make teens more interested in what's going on in science class? Is forensic science something they might want to pursue as a career?
TV Details
- Premiere date : September 23, 2002
- Cast : Adam Rodriguez , David Caruso , Emily Procter
- Networks : A&E , CBS
- Genre : Drama
- TV rating :
- Award : NAACP Image Award - NAACP Image Award Nominee
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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