Common Sense Media Review
By Matt Springer
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Anemic high-concept procedural with heavy violence.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Person of Interest
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 6 parent reviews
Based on 23 kid reviews
Kids say this TV show is a gripping blend of action and moral dilemmas, featuring well-written characters and thought-provoking themes. While it offers exciting plot twists and minimal explicit content, some viewers noted a slight increase in violence and the inclusion of a same-sex relationship, making it more suitable for older teens or mature younger audiences.
- character depth
- moral themes
- action-packed
- age recommendations
- mild content
- plot twists
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
As PERSON OF INTEREST begins, Reese (Jim Caviezel) is a washed-up former CIA agent, presumed dead, who's drinking away his sorrow over the death of his wife. Enter enigmatic billionaire Finch (Michael Emerson), who has a simple mission for Reese: Help save lives. Using data from a supercomputer built to hunt terrorists in the wake of the September 11 terrorist attacks, Reese and Finch act only with a Social Security number and must determine how innocent people become involved in terrible crimes -- and what can be done to prevent them.
Is It Any Good?
We live in an age in which it seems that all you need to get a TV show deal is a very high-concept idea. The high concept behind Person of Interest isn't necessarily a bad one -- supercomputer identifies people about to be killed, rich man hires former CIA agent to help these people -- but the execution lacks energy and wit. With an idea so fundamentally silly, you'd expect the plotting and characterization to be a little less dour.
Instead, the show takes itself very seriously, which in turn results in a boring, humorless hour built on a goofy idea. Caviezel is either trying way too hard or not trying hard enough as the perpetually depressed Reese, while Lost's Emerson tries to mine what he can from the material but comes off as almost a parody of an eccentric wealthy person. Both of these actors deserve a better series than this.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about violence as problem solver on the show. Does every conflict on the show need to be resolved using fists/weapons? Why or why not?
What does the show have to do with the attacks on September 11? Is it important for the show to use such an event as a plot point?
TV Details
- Premiere date : September 22, 2011
- Cast : James Caviezel , Michael Emerson , Taraji P. Henson
- Network : CBS
- Genre : Drama
- TV rating :
- Award : NAACP Image Award - NAACP Image Award Nominee
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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