Common Sense Media Review
By Melissa Camacho
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Mature crime drama with unique premise; violence.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
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The Mentalist
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 11 parent reviews
Based on 33 kid reviews
Kids say this show is an underrated gem, blending humor with drama while navigating complex themes of crime, violence, and personal struggles. Viewers appreciate the character development, particularly of the witty main character, but caution that it may not be suitable for younger audiences due to graphic content and mature themes.
- underrated gem
- engaging drama
- strong themes
- mature content
- character development
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
Patrick Jane (Simon Baker) is THE MENTALIST, a former self-proclaimed medium who now uses his sharp observation skills to help a team of agents from the fictitious California Bureau of Investigation (CBI) solve serious crimes in Sacramento. The one-time celeb now impresses agents like Kimball Cho (Tim Kang), Wayne Rigsby (Owain Yeoman), and rookie Grace Van Pelt (Amanda Righetti) with his charming, rather theatrical ability to solve high-profile cases. But his unorthodox approach and reckless disregard for the rules don't sit well with Senior Agent Teresa Lisbon (Robin Tunney). Throughout it all, Jane must find a way to cope with his own tragic past.
Is It Any Good?
Like many other crime shows, this unhurried drama spends lots of time discussing the particulars of unsolved cases. Early seasons of The Mentalist also dwell on considering whether the paranormal exists, which sometimes leads to debates about the existence of God, an afterlife, and other spiritual topics. But later episodes move beyond this, relying on Jane's keen understanding of human behavior to help each story unfold.
It isn't the best-written show, and Jane's presumptuous behavior—breaking into people's homes and accosting them for answers, for example—can be grating. But the unique premise, coupled with some interesting cases and Jane's trademark dry humor, help make this series successful.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how The Mentalist portrays psychics. How have other shows and movies depicted them? Do you think psychics consult on crimes in real life? How would you find out?
How does this crime drama set itself apart? What does it do better or worse than others you've seen? Why do you think people enjoy watching crime stories?
How is Agent Lisbon portrayed? Is she a positive character? Why, or why not? Why is it important to see nuanced representations of women on-screen?
TV Details
- Premiere date : September 23, 2008
- Cast : Simon Baker , Robin Tunney , Tim Kang
- Network : CBS
- Genre : Drama
- TV rating :
- Awards : Emmy - Emmy Award Nominee , Golden Globe - Golden Globe Award Nominee
- Last updated : September 12, 2026
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