Parents' Guide to FBI

TV CBS Drama 2018
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Common Sense Media Review

Melissa Camacho By Melissa Camacho , based on child development research. How do we rate?

age 15+

"Law & Order" spin-off is entertaining, violent.

Parents Need to Know

Why Age 15+?

Any Positive Content?

Parent and Kid Reviews

age 14+

Based on 6 parent reviews

age 14+

Based on 5 kid reviews

What's the Story?

Created by Dick Wolf of the Law & Order franchise, FBI is a dramatic series about what happens behind the scenes at the Federal Bureau of Investigation's New York office. It follows agent Maggie Bell (Missy Peregrym) and her partner, agent Omar "OA" Adom (Zeeko Zaki) as they work with a team of elite experts dedicated to working cases relating to organized crime, terrorism, and counterintelligence. Overseeing their operation is assistant special agent in charge Jubal Valentine (Jeremy Sisto) and special agent in charge Dana Mosier (Sela Ward). They are also joined by Kristen Chazal (Ebonée Noel), a young woman recruited straight out of university for her brilliant analytical skills. They all work under intense pressure to protect the city -- and the country -- from harm.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say ( 6 ):
Kids say ( 5 ):

This entertaining crime procedural features all the classic investigation drama one comes to expect from Dick Wolf-produced television. The crimes reflect current events, and the investigations usually wrap up nicely after some disturbing encounters and conversations. Meanwhile, New York City serves as the fast-paced, often gritty backdrop that brings perps and agents together.

While not as well-written as Law & Order, FBI still spins some good stories. Fans of the franchise will be drawn to the rhythm of the show, which combines lots of crime-solving banter with some fleeting moments of emotion. But it's more violent, thanks to gruesome images of the dead. Nonetheless, if you're looking for a satisfyingly good crime show, you'll most likely enjoy it.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about what makes crime procedurals so popular. Is it the way that the characters solve crimes? The action?

  • Do crime-themed shows and movies have to be violent to be entertaining? Do you think FBI could tell a good story without violence?

TV Details

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