Parents' Guide to

Memphis Beat

By Kari Croop, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 15+

Bland Southern cop drama has some violent scenes.

TV TNT Drama 2010
Memphis Beat Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

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

Community Reviews

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age 18+

Based on 2 parent reviews

estelle A.
estelle A. Adult
May 19, 2017
age 18+

Dear Respectful

Dear Respectful I am very happy this day to be in contact with you, i believe it is only a day that people know and become good and family friends, There is something very important i will like to tell you but ever since, i was afraid because i do not know you yet but today i decided in my mind to contact you and disclose this to you because i know my contact with you is a divine contact. My name is Miss Estelle Andren from Sierra Leone the only child of late Mr. Williams Andren, i am writing you from Rep of Cote d'Ivoire where i Have been taking refuge after the brutal war and Murder of my parents by the rebels during the renewed Fighting in our country Sierra Leone. Because of the war my late Father sold his shipping company and took me to a nearby country Cote d'Ivoire where he deposited US$4, 000,000.00 Million(Four Million United States Dollars) in his foreign account with one of the prime bank here in Cote d'Ivoire. Please i have prayed before contacting you with the trust in God that you and your family will be of help to me and coupled with the current political situation here in Cote d'Ivoire now, i am seeking for a foreign partner/guardian that will assist me transfer this money to his account and use it for investment purpose such as real estate management or hotel management or any other good business over there I am honorably seeking your assistance in the following ways: (1) To serve as a guardian of this fund since I am only 20years. (2) To make arrangement for me to come over to your country to further my Education and to secure a resident permit in your country Moreover, I am willing to offer you a good percentage from the total sum as compensation for your effort/input after the successful transfer of this money into your nominated account in your country. Furthermore, you will indicate your option towards assisting me as I believe that this transaction would be concluded within seven (7 days you signify interest to assist me). please contact me at this email address ([email protected]) I wait for your soonest response and God will surly bless you and your family as you do everything possible to help me out in this matter. Best regards, Miss Estelle Andren.
bigdog3564
bigdog3564 Adult
February 8, 2013
age 18+

Dwight rocks

Good cop show..not for kids..some violence and right amount of humor in show to make characters likable.
See all 2 parent reviews

What's the Story?

When he's not working the MEMPHIS BEAT, mama-loving police detective Dwight Hendricks (Jason Lee) is working the stage at his favorite blues club and fiercely protecting his city's culture from would-be offenders. But his methods don't always fly with his new boss (Alfre Woodard), a suburban transplant who's determined to keep her cops in line. Good thing Dwight's gangly uniformed sidekick (DJ Qualls) thinks he's the best thing since Memphis-style barbecue.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: (2):
Kids say: Not yet rated

The fact that Lee's character channels Elvis at a local blues club on his nights off is the most interesting thing about this humdrum detective show set in one of America's most vibrant cities. But even that doesn't really deliver, as Lee is clearly lip-synching to someone else's vocal tracks, producing a soulless performance indeed.

Couple that with the realization that Memphis Beat was actually filmed in New Orleans, and you've got a show that lacks any connection to the city it's supposed to love. Talk about a kick in the ribs.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the details that give this detective drama a sense of place. How important is music to the series? What about food? Does the show reinforce any stereotypes about the South?

  • What makes Dwight a good role model? How does music help him handle stress?

  • What do you think about the amount of violence in this series? How realistically do you think it portrays crime in modern-day Memphis? How does it compare to the violence in other cop/crime shows?

TV Details

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