Carrie Preston stars in a crime-solving CBS series with a cheerful tone, but parents should know it features murder scenes and adult themes. The show’s official TV-14 rating is given for violence and language, making it a program families may want to preview for younger viewers.
Elsbeth is a CBS comedy-drama series that started on February 29, 2024. The story follows the optimistic lawyer Elsbeth Tascioni, played by Carrie Preston, who moves from Chicago to observe the New York Police Department. Her quirky methods help solve complex crimes.
What is Elsbeth About?
The show is a spin-off from the popular series The Good Wife and The Good Fight. Elsbeth Tascioni is a lawyer known for her unique personality and sharp mind. In this new series, she takes a job in New York City to watch over police procedures after the department faces a scandal over wrongful arrests.
She is supposed to just observe, but she quickly starts helping with investigations. Her different way of thinking allows her to notice details that others miss. She works with officers like Captain C.W. Wagner, played by Wendell Pierce.
Official Age Rating and Content Warnings
The Motion Picture Association (MPA) gives Elsbeth a TV-14 rating. This rating means the show may contain material unsuitable for children under 14 years old. The specific content descriptors for the show are V for violence and L for language.
The TV-14 rating is a guideline for parents. It suggests that some content may be too intense for younger viewers. Parents should use this rating as a starting point and consider their own child’s sensitivity.
Detailed Content Breakdown for Parents
Violence and Scary Scenes
Violent crime is a main part of the show’s stories. The series includes on-screen murders. The methods shown can be intense for some viewers.
- Types of Violence: Episodes have featured crimes like stabbings and suffocation. For example, in the first episode, a character is drugged and killed with a plastic bag.
- Tone: Despite the crimes, the show’s overall feeling is not dark or grim. Elsbeth’s cheerful personality creates a lighter mood. However, the visual details of the crimes are present.
Sexual Content and Relationships
The plot includes sexual situations and discussions.
- Storylines: Some storylines involve inappropriate relationships. One episode includes a college professor who sleeps with his students.
- Dialogue: Characters make explicit comments about sexual behavior. One line in the show refers to an actress “spreading her legs” to get a better role.
Language Used in the Show
The dialogue includes mild to moderate language. It is not constant but appears throughout episodes.
- Examples: Words like “screwed,” “nutcase,” and “scumbag” are used. Other episodes have included uses of “damn”.
- Religious References: The character Elsbeth sometimes misuses God’s name.
Drinking, Drugs, and Smoking
Adults are shown consuming alcohol in social settings, such as bars. The show presents this as a normal part of adult life. There is no notable depiction of illegal drug use in the episodes reviewed by parent guides.
Positive Themes and Role Models
Elsbeth herself is a strong, positive character. She approaches difficult situations with kindness and a determination to find the truth. Her problem-solving skills show the value of paying close attention and thinking differently.
“Elsbeth stands out as a beacon of positivity and kindness in a genre often dominated by hardened characters.”
The show also presents messages about perseverance. Elsbeth does not give up, even when cases are complicated or other people doubt her methods.
What Do Reviewers Say About the Age Appropriateness?
Common Sense Media, a nonprofit that reviews media for families, suggests the show is appropriate for teens aged 13 and up. Their review notes the show’s violent and sexual content as key factors in this recommendation.
Another review from Plugged In agrees that the show is not “squeaky clean” family entertainment but points out it is “less profane and less violent than other options with the same rating”. This highlights that within the TV-14 category, Elsbeth is on the milder side for crime dramas.
How to Watch Elsbeth
The series airs on the CBS television network. For streaming, episodes are available on Paramount+, which is the primary streaming home for CBS shows.
You can also purchase individual episodes or full seasons from digital stores like Amazon Video, Apple TV, and Fandango at Home. Some live TV streaming services, such as YouTube TV and fuboTV, also carry CBS and allow you to watch episodes.
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Conversation Starters for Families
If your teen watches the show, it can lead to meaningful discussions.
- Ethics and Justice: You can talk about the ethical dilemmas in the show. Ask questions like, “Why is it important for police departments to have oversight?” or “What does it mean to pursue justice fairly?”
- Perseverance: Discuss how Elsbeth keeps trying even when things are hard. Connect this to real-life challenges your child might face at school or in hobbies.
The third season of Elsbeth is currently airing, with new episodes releasing regularly on CBS and Paramount+.
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