The Mentalist is essentially the ultimate "comfort food" of police procedurals—it’s smart, charming, and occasionally dark, but it firmly earns its TV-14 rating with a mix of clever psychological puzzles and some pretty intense murder-mystery themes that might be a bit much for the middle school crowd.
TL;DR: The Mentalist is a highly engaging crime drama perfect for teens (ages 13+) who enjoy "competence porn" where the protagonist is the smartest person in the room. Screenwise gives it a WISE score of 78/100, noting that while it deals with murder and a lingering serial killer plot, its focus on logic, observation, and human psychology makes it a superior alternative to more graphic shows like Criminal Minds.
If you missed the initial run in the late 2000s, here’s the gist: Patrick Jane (played with peak "smug but lovable" energy by Simon Baker) is a former celebrity psychic who made a living conning people into believing he could talk to the dead. After he insulted a serial killer named Red John on national TV, the killer murdered Jane’s wife and daughter. Broken and humbled, Jane admits he has no supernatural powers—he’s just an incredibly gifted observer—and joins the California Bureau of Investigation (CBI) as a consultant to help solve crimes while hunting for Red John.
The show follows a "case of the week" format, but the overarching shadow of Red John provides a serialized tension that keeps kids (and us) hitting "Next Episode" on Max or Hulu. It’s less about the forensics and more about the "read"—Jane can tell someone is lying because of the way they blink or the dust on their shoes. For a generation raised on Sherlock, it feels familiar but much more accessible.
There’s a specific kind of "brain rot" that happens when kids watch mindless content, but The Mentalist is the opposite. It celebrates being observant. In a world where our kids are often staring at screens with glazed eyes, seeing a character who notices the tiny details in the physical world is actually a pretty cool influence.
Teens also love the "anti-hero" vibe. Patrick Jane isn't a "good" guy in the traditional sense—he lies, he manipulates, and he often breaks the law to catch the bad guys. This complexity makes for much better dinner table conversation than a standard superhero movie where the lines of morality are drawn in neon.
If your kid is asking to watch The Mentalist, they’ve probably already cycled through the other big names in the genre. Here is how it stacks up against the competition:
- Psych: If The Mentalist is a dark roast coffee, Psych is a caramel frappuccino. Both feature "fake psychics" who are actually just observant, but Psych is a comedy. If your kid is younger (10-12), start with Psych.
- Sherlock: This is the gold standard for detective shows, but it can be visually overwhelming and much darker. The Mentalist is more episodic and "lighter" in its day-to-day vibe.
- Monk: Great for all ages, but lacks the "cool factor" that Patrick Jane brings.
- Knives Out: If they liked the "whodunnit" aspect of Benoit Blanc, they will find The Mentalist very satisfying.
While most episodes are standard "who killed the wealthy vineyard owner?" fare, the Red John episodes are a different beast. Red John is a sadistic serial killer who leaves a signature "smiley face" drawn in the victim's blood.
Screenwise analysis shows that these specific episodes (usually the season premieres and finales) jump from a TV-14 to a "hard" TV-14. There isn't necessarily more gore, but the psychological tension and the sense of dread are significantly higher. If you have a sensitive kid, you might want to pre-screen the Red John-heavy episodes or watch them together.
Violence and Gore
Most murders happen before the episode starts. You’ll see bodies, and yes, there is blood, but it’s rarely "slasher movie" level. The show focuses on the "how" and "why" rather than the "ew."
Language and Romance
Language is very mild—standard network TV stuff. Romance is mostly "will-they-won't-they" tension between Jane and his boss, Teresa Lisbon. It’s very PG-13 and respectful, which is a nice change of pace from the hyper-sexualized content found on many streaming originals.
Because Patrick Jane is a former con man, the show provides a great opening to talk about media literacy and skepticism.
- The "Cold Read": Jane explains how he tricks people into thinking he knows their secrets. This is a perfect jumping-off point to talk about how "influencers" or "online gurus" use similar tactics to build trust and sell products.
- Revenge vs. Justice: Jane’s primary motivation is killing Red John, not putting him in jail. This is a heavy theme. Is Jane "right" to want revenge? Does the law always provide justice? These are the kinds of questions that turn a "screen time" moment into a developmental one.
- The Power of Observation: Challenge your kids to a "Jane Game" at the grocery store or a restaurant. What can they tell about someone just by looking at their shoes or how they hold their phone? It’s a fun way to build real-world awareness.
Ask our chatbot about how to talk to your kids about revenge in media
Q: What age is The Mentalist appropriate for?
Screenwise recommends The Mentalist for ages 13 and up. While the violence is generally kept within network TV bounds, the psychological themes of grief, trauma, and the central serial killer plot are too mature for younger children.
Q: Is The Mentalist scary?
Most episodes are not scary, but the "Red John" episodes can be very creepy and suspenseful. The show uses psychological dread and the "threat" of a killer more than jump scares or graphic horror.
Q: Does The Mentalist have a lot of gore?
No, the show is relatively low on gore compared to series like Bones or Criminal Minds. You will see crime scenes and blood, but the camera usually focuses on Patrick Jane's face and his process rather than the details of the injuries.
Q: Is The Mentalist better than Psych?
It depends on what you're looking for! Psych is a comedy that parodies the genre, while The Mentalist is a drama with comedic elements. If your family wants to laugh, go with Psych; if you want a more serious mystery, choose The Mentalist.
The Mentalist is a top-tier choice for families with teenagers who have outgrown "kid shows" but aren't quite ready for the nihilism of adult prestige dramas. It’s smart, it’s well-acted, and it actually rewards the viewer for paying attention. Just be prepared for your teen to start trying to "read" your body language every time you ask if they've finished their homework.