Common Sense Media Review
By Melissa Camacho
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Canadian police drama lacks grit of U.S. cop shows.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Rookie Blue
What's the Story?
ROOKIE BLUE follows the lives of police officers beginning their careers with Toronto's 15th Division. In the first season, the novice cops include Officer Andy McNally (Missy Peregrym), Officer Gail Peck (Charlotte Sullivan), Officer Dov Epstein (Gregory Smith), Traci Nash (Enuka Okuma), and Chris Diaz (Travis Milne), who eventually graduate from "rookie" status and become more experienced partners. Throughout it all, the officers must also find a way to negotiate their personal lives and relationships while dealing with the pressure of being on the force.
Is It Any Good?
On one hand, this Canadian series -- which airs simultaneously on Canadian and American television -- feels hip and trendy, thanks to the modelesque looks of its attractive, young crew. On the other, it feels a little like a throwback, thanks to plotlines and gee-golly antics that are noticeably tamer than other series tackling the same subject matter.
While Rookie Blue definitely has some worthy moments and delivers well-paced, suspenseful action plots, it also lacks the grittiness that most popular American crime dramas are known for, which could strike some viewers as a little unconvincing. Still, others looking for a milder option to edgier cop shows might find this police drama an entertaining alternative.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about what it's like to be a police officer. What kind of challenges do rookies face when they start out? How long is a person considered a "rookie" officer?
How does the media contribute to the way people view police officers in real life? What do you think some of the differences are between the ways in which movies and TV shows depict cops and the work they do, and what the life of a police officer is really like?
Do you think reality shows that feature police officers offer a more realistic view of what police officers do on a daily basis? Why or why not? How do cop dramas and cop-centered reality shows compare?
TV Details
- Premiere date : June 24, 2010
- Cast : Charlotte Sullivan , Gregory Smith , Missy Peregrym
- Network : ABC
- Genre : Drama
- TV rating :
- Last updated : October 14, 2022
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