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The Unusuals
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A lot or a little?
The parents' guide to what's in this TV show.
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that although this quirky cop drama stars tween/teen-fave actress Amber Tamblyn, it's not intended for young viewers. While it isn't quite as graphic as shows like CSI, there's frequent sexual innuendo (including references to criminal sexual behavior) and images of scantily dressed women, guns are frequently drawn, and sometimes people get shot (and killed). Images of shooting and stabbing victims are also sometimes shown. Characters drink and use prescription drugs, and there are frequent conversations about illegal narcotics (which are also sometimes shown). Language includes words like "damn" and "bitch."
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User Reviews
- Parents say
- Kids say
Not for any viewers, but especially not younger audiences
The unusuals
What's the story?
THE UNUSUALS is a quirky dramedy about a team of New York police detectives who use their street smarts and distinctive personalities to solve cases. Amber Tamblyn stars as Det. Casey Shraeger, who's suddenly transferred from NYPD vice to homicide and paired with Det. Jason Walsh (Jeremy Renner) after his partner's mysterious death. She finds herself working alongside an eclectic crime solvers like skittish Det. Leo Banks (Harold Perrineau), suicidal Det. Eric Delahoy (Adam Goldberg), obnoxious Det. Eddie Alvarez (Kai Lennox), and spiritual Det. Henry Cole (played by Josh Close). Shraeger soon discovers that her colleagues' unusual personalities seem to be covering some dirty little secrets -- and she sets out to find the truth.
Is it any good?
The Unusuals attempts to put a unique stamp on an otherwise ordinary crime series by introducing murder and corruption plotlines through the show's odd -- but mostly likable -- characters. Most of the show's lighter moments come from the characters' outlandish behavior or their far-fetched police tactics. But despite the fact that the writing sometimes seems more silly than witty, there are some subtle plotlines that make it interesting.
Like most crime dramas, the series has its fair share of violence, bloody images, strong language, sexual innuendo, and frequent discussions of criminal activity -- though it's not as graphic as shows like CSI, and the humor helps keeps things on the lighter side. Teens and adults who like this sort of thing may find it entertaining, but it isn't meant -- or age-appropriate -- for younger viewers.
Talk to your kids about ...
Families can talk about shows that mix different kinds of genres/tones -- here, drama and comedy -- to create something that feels new. Can you think of shows that have done that successfully? What's the appeal? Families can also discuss the variety of crime shows on television. Why is this kind of show so popular? What sets one show apart from the others?
TV details
- Premiere date: April 8, 2009
- Cast: Adam Goldberg, Amber Tamblyn, Jeremy Renner
- Network: ABC
- Genre: Drama
- TV rating: TV-14
- Available on: Streaming
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Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.