FBI: Most Wanted – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

FBI: Most Wanted

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

show2020

38%

WISE Score

CBS's by-the-numbers FBI spinoff where agents chase violent criminals—competent but forgettable procedural fare for adults only.

FBI: Most Wanted

show

TV-14, 2020

38%

WISE Score

CBS's by-the-numbers FBI spinoff where agents chase violent criminals—competent but forgettable procedural fare for adults only.

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Screenwise Verdict

Look, this is standard CBS crime procedural stuff—competent but completely forgettable. The 6.9 IMDb rating tells you everything: it's fine if you want something on in the background while folding laundry, but it's not appointment television.

For families? Hard pass for anyone under high school age. The violence is frequent and central to every episode—murders, kidnappings, shootouts. Even for older teens, you're not getting much value beyond "here's what FBI agents might do." There's no deep character work, no creative storytelling, no fresh perspective on the crime genre.

If your 16-year-old is into crime shows, they'd be better served by something with more substance. This is the television equivalent of empty calories—it won't hurt them, but it won't nourish them either. And for younger kids? Absolutely not. Keep this one in the adults-only category.

Age Fit

This is strictly adult content, appropriate for ages 16+ at the youngest. The 14+ Common Sense rating is probably a floor, and even mature 14-year-olds may find the violence intense. Best for older teens and adults who enjoy crime procedurals.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

Procedural crime drama centered on tracking violent fugitives. While it models teamwork and justice-seeking, the show's core content involves murder, kidnapping, and violent crime that doesn't model kindness or cooperation in a developmentally healthy way for younger viewers. The emotional tone is intense and often dark, focused on the worst of humanity rather than positive character modeling.

Imaginative

Standard procedural format with predictable case-of-the-week structure. Little room for creative expression or curiosity-building. The show follows a familiar CBS crime drama template without offering fresh perspectives or imaginative storytelling. It's competent but formulaic—there's no invitation to explore ideas or think creatively.

Safe

This is a crime procedural about tracking down dangerous fugitives—expect graphic violence, murders, kidnappings, assault, and intense threat scenarios in nearly every episode. Common Sense Media rates it 14+, which signals significant mature content. While it's not gratuitously gory by cable standards, the violence is frequent and central to the premise. Not remotely appropriate for younger kids and could be triggering even for teens.

Enriching

Offers some insight into law enforcement procedures and the FBI's Fugitive Task Force operations. May spark interest in criminal justice careers and demonstrates problem-solving under pressure. However, the entertainment value is middling—a 6.9 IMDb rating suggests it's passable but not compelling. The show doesn't offer deep ethical exploration or meaningful character development that would elevate it beyond standard procedural fare.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Provides insight into FBI Fugitive Task Force operations and law enforcement tactics
Models teamwork and dedication to justice among the agent characters
May spark interest in criminal justice careers for older teens considering their future
Straightforward procedural format means you can drop in on any episode without confusion

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What to Watch For

Frequent graphic violence, murders, kidnappings, and assault in nearly every episode—this is not background TV if kids are around
Dark, intense tone focused on the worst crimes and criminals without much levity
Formulaic storytelling that may feel repetitive and uninspired after a few episodes
14+ minimum age—younger teens may find the violence and mature themes disturbing

Conversation Starters

"What do you think motivates people to join law enforcement and put themselves in danger?"
"How do you think the show portrays the balance between catching criminals and protecting civil rights?"
"Do you think shows like this glamorize violence or help people understand the consequences of crime?"
"If you were on the task force, what skills would you bring to the team?"

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