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Parents' Guide to

Murder, She Wrote

By Emily Ashby, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 12+

Simple crime drama is tame by today's standards.

TV A&E , Biography Channel , Hallmark Channel , Syndicated Drama 1984
Murder, She Wrote Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

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

  • Murder, She Wrote TV: Scene #1
  • Murder, She Wrote TV: Scene #2
  • Murder, She Wrote TV: Scene #3
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Community Reviews

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age 13+

Based on 4 parent reviews

Cdswhite
Cdswhite Parent of 5, 8 and 10-year-old
June 15, 2020
age 11+

Some are appropriate, some are not

Some episodes are fine but others relating to adultery, suicide or too much alcohol etc. I don't approve of until older. I watched it as a kid but I keep it clean for my own as long as possible.
Lowe's man
Lowe's man Adult
February 21, 2016
age 12+

better than many of today's crime dramas

Actually I wouldn't call this show simple, as it requires a lot of thinking. It is tame and the violence is minimal, but that's what makes the show great. Ideal for those who like detective series or mysteries but do not like the intense and often graphic violence found in many crime dramas that have come out in the last 20 years or so. The reason why Jessica Fletcher, played by Angela Lansbury, does a better job than many professional detectives is because of her attention to detail and her slow pace, proving that slow and steady wins the race. Although this show was designed for senior citizens, adolescents will enjoy it too. If not right away, they will if they give it a chance. A great opportunity for them to try something that is designed for a different audience and one that many wouldn't watch on their own.
See all 4 parent reviews

What's the Story?

In its 12-year run on CBS (from 1984 to 1996), MURDER, SHE WROTE followed the many adventures and investigations of the indomitable mystery writer (Angela Lansbury), a retired teacher with an insatiable thirst for knowledge who lives in the quaint town of Cabot Cove, Maine. When she's not tapping away at her typewriter, Jessica is often out about town or traveling to visit the inexhaustible bevy of friends and family she has throughout the world, where, amazingly, she almost always stumbles onto the scene of yet another murder in need of a determined gumshoe. And with each mystery she helps solve, she gets inspiration for her next best-selling novel. Jessica's curiosity often leads her to poke her nose in police affairs, and while the Cabot Cove sheriff's department is accustomed to her friendly meddling, other law officers who don't know her (and are often looking for a quick-and-easy solution to the crime) find her inquiries irritating. In the end, though, Jessica's sugary charm and knack for asking just the right questions out the real bad guys and saves the day, and she makes new fans with every case she cracks.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (4 ):
Kids say (7 ):

More than two decades after its debut, the show continues to engage audiences with its endearing heroine and an ever-changing cast of guest stars. Through the years, Murder, She Wrote has featured soon-to-be-familiar faces like George Clooney, Courteney Cox, and Marcia Cross. But crime-drama buffs take note: This is no Law & Order or CSI. The action is slow, and characters rely more on chance eavesdropping or friendly conversation than on actual interrogation to gather information. Foot chases are rare, and hardened criminals even rarer. Overall it's a fantasy world for detective work, where the bad guys stand out, tense situations are often tempered by wry humor, and loose ends are tied up in a nice, neat package by show's end.

The only real caution for parents of older tweens and up is the potential for some violent images, but the relatively low-key nature of this crime show makes it a decent choice for families. The simplistic, dialogue-based plot, however, may leave kids rolling their eyes.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about how Murder, She Wrote is similar to and different from more recent crime dramas. Why do you think newer shows have upped the blood-and-guts level? Are there any shows on the air today that are like this one, or are they all a lot more serious and graphic?

  • Families can also discuss the investigation process. Which clues help detectives find a starting point for their investigations? How do they narrow their searches for clues and suspects? In what ways do the roles of detectives and private investigators differ?

  • Families can also discuss how the justice system works. What rights do all citizens have in the court process? How do those rights protect innocent people? How do they protect criminals?

  • How do the characters in Murder, She Wrote demonstrate communication and teamwork? Why are these important character strengths?

TV Details

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