Hawaii Five-0 – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Hawaii Five-0

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

show2010Action, Crime

51%

WISE Score

7.4

IMDb

Slick Hawaii-set cop show with gorgeous scenery and frequent violence—think 'CSI meets The Fast and the Furious' but on an island.

7.4/10

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Hawaii Five-0

show

TV-14, 2010, Action, Crime

51%

WISE Score

7.4

IMDb

Slick Hawaii-set cop show with gorgeous scenery and frequent violence—think 'CSI meets The Fast and the Furious' but on an island.

7.4

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Screenwise Verdict

Hawaii Five-0 is competent network television that knows exactly what it is: a glossy action procedural with beautiful scenery and lots of gunfire. The team dynamics are genuinely engaging, and if you're looking for Friday night popcorn entertainment, it delivers.

But let's be honest—this is formulaic stuff. The 'elite task force with no oversight' premise is basically a fantasy where cops can do whatever they want, which is... not great messaging. The violence is frequent and sometimes surprisingly graphic for network TV, and the show doesn't earn those intense moments with meaningful character development or ethical exploration.

It's fine for older teens and adults who want background-friendly action, but it's not going to challenge anyone or stick with you. Think of it as the TV equivalent of a summer blockbuster—entertaining in the moment, forgettable by next week.

Age Fit

Best for ages 14+ who can handle frequent action violence and aren't going to replicate the 'rules don't apply to us' mentality. Adults who enjoy procedurals will find it entertaining enough, though it's not prestige TV.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

Action-packed cop drama with strong team camaraderie and themes of justice, but the Five-0 task force operates with 'very little in the way of rules or regulations,' modeling vigilante-style policing that sidesteps due process. Positive friendship dynamics between the core team, but the 'shoot first, ask questions later' approach isn't exactly modeling restraint or cooperation.

Imaginative

Standard procedural format following a predictable crime-of-the-week structure with little innovation. Beautiful Hawaii locations provide visual interest, but the storytelling is formulaic network TV—no invitation to explore ideas, build anything, or think creatively. It's competent but paint-by-numbers cop show fare.

Safe

Common Sense Media rates it 14+ for good reason: 'often-violent' with 'very intense' episodes and 'very graphic' violence according to parent reviews. IMDb parents guide confirms 'moderate' violence and gore, plus 'some sex scenes' (no nudity). Not something you want a 9-year-old stumbling into during channel surfing. The violence is frequent and sometimes brutal—this is network TV pushing the boundaries of what prime time allows.

Enriching

Offers glimpses of Hawaiian culture and geography, and the procedural format does present problem-solving scenarios. However, the 'elite unit with no rules' premise glorifies extrajudicial tactics rather than exploring ethical complexities of law enforcement. Entertainment value is solid for action fans, but meaningful takeaways are thin—it's popcorn TV that doesn't challenge viewers much beyond 'bad guys get caught.'

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Strong ensemble chemistry between the core team members creates genuine camaraderie
Showcases beautiful Hawaiian locations and occasionally touches on local culture
Fast-paced action sequences and procedural mysteries keep things moving
Solid production values and competent storytelling for network TV standards
Appeals to teens/adults who enjoy crime procedurals with an action bent

⚠

What to Watch For

Violence is frequent and sometimes graphic—shootouts, explosions, torture scenes appear regularly
The 'no rules' approach to policing glorifies vigilante tactics and ignores due process
Occasional sexual content (clothed but clearly implied scenes)
Intense episodes may be too much for sensitive viewers under 15

Conversation Starters

"Why do you think the show lets the Five-0 team break rules that regular cops have to follow? Is that realistic or fair?"
"How do you think actual Hawaiian residents feel about their home being portrayed as a crime-filled paradise?"
"What would happen if real police operated like Steve McGarrett's team—would that make us safer or less safe?"

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