Parents' Guide to

The Defenders

By Melissa Camacho, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 15+

Charismatic lawyers defend clients, Vegas style.

TV CBS Drama 1961
The Defenders 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 2+

Based on 1 parent review

Hoova10
Hoova10 Parent of 16-year-old
December 30, 2010
age 2+

Best law drama since law and order

This show is absolutely brilliant, by far the best law type tv show since law and order hit the scene in 1990. This is a perfect show for all families to watch because it gives younger kids the insight into what can happen to law breakers while also keeping it instilled into their minds that there are still people who genuinely show others compassion(as Pete and Nick do to their clients here) and work as hard as they possibly can to help others. It's also a great depiction of the courtroom and how our justice system works. I pray every night that this show doesn't get taken off the air until every bit of greatness is squeezed out of this. Also nick and Pete together remind of young Jake briggains(Carl lee halee's lawyer from A Time To Kill) very brilliant and snappy lawyers. Excellent, excellent tv show.
See all 1 parent review

What's the Story?

THE DEFENDERS stars Jim Belushi and Jerry O'Connell as Nick Morelli and Pete Kaczmarek, two Las Vegas attorneys who -- despite their very different personalities -- share the same commitment to fight for the clients they're representing. Helping the dynamic defense duo is Lisa Tyler (Jurnee Smollet), a recent law school graduate whose past life as an adult entertainer sometimes keeps her from being taken seriously. Meanwhile, the firm's quirky office assistant, Zoe Waters (Tanya Fischer), manages to keep order. Outside the courtroom, Morelli struggles to cope with his relationship with his estranged wife, Jessica (Gillian Vigman), while Kaczmarek takes advantage of some of pleasures the Strip has to offer.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: (1 ):
Kids say: Not yet rated

The show -- which is based on real-life Las Vegas attorneys Michael Cristalli and Marc Saggese -- couches its storylines within the context of Las Vegas' infamous culture ... and the tough laws that govern it. But while the series deals with serious subjects like assault, drug trafficking, immigration, and murder, it also has its fair share of quirky moments and mischievous adult behavior.

The discussions featured here aren't as technical as in other legal dramas, and some of the climactic moments are a bit theatrical. But overall, it offers up courtroom entertainment that's both interesting and indulgent.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about how this show compares to other legal dramas. What do they tend to have in common? What (if anything) sets this one apart?

  • What makes Las Vegas so appealing to so many people? How does the media typically portray Vegas life? Do you think practicing law in Las Vegas is any different from practicing law anywhere else in the United States? Why or why not?

TV Details

Did we miss something on diversity?

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

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