Parents' Guide to

The Mob Doctor

By Kari Croop, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 15+

Hammy medical drama blends mob violence and surgical gore.

TV Fox Drama 2012
The Mob Doctor 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 13+

Based on 1 parent review

dr dew
dr dew Adult
September 19, 2012
age 13+

kindof hard to rate

well md is one of those shows thats kindof hard to put a rate on because u love it yet some of the content is not exactly appropreate for everyone so ii say if u dont like ur kids to see violent fights and some blood and teance car chases dont let them watch u however and older tweens and teens sit back and enjoy the ride because it is alot of fun it really is a plast trust me

This title has:

Too much violence
Too much sex
Too much swearing
See all 1 parent review

What's the Story?

In a move to shield her brother from a deadly gambling debt, thoracic surgeon Dr. Grace Devlin (Jordana Spiro) agrees to go "off book" on Chicago's gritty Southside and become the mob's personal physician. But her secret life as THE MOB DOCTOR is rife with ethical complications, and Grace can't always be honest with the people she loves -- including her best friend (Floriana Lima), her boyfriend (Zach Gilford), and her boss (Zeljko Ivanek).

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (1 ):
Kids say (1 ):

The Mob Doctor is one of those shows whose title and premise are so silly that it could go either way. (Is this attractive young surgeon really a "mob doctor"? Yes, she is -- and it's pretty much how it sounds.) But in the end, the show smacks more of hammy melodrama than genuinely compelling television thanks to characters that feel half-formed and dialogue that doesn't ring true to life. In fact, it might be more entertaining as a parody than as decidedly serious fare.

While other medical dramas have played with plots that mix the crime world and the medical profession, there hasn't been a show that's been willing to commit to the marriage of the two. But now that there is one ... there won't likely be another.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about violence and the show's depiction of organized crime. How does the violent content here compare to other movies and TV shows about the mob (think The Sopranos or Goodfellas)? How realistic are the characters and the situations they find themselves in?

  • Are the main character's actions justifiable? Does that mean they're ethical, too -- and what's the difference? What would you do if you found yourself in a similar situation?

  • Is this series a medical drama, a crime drama, or both? How successfully does it combine the two genres? Can you think of any other shows like it on the air?

TV Details

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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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