Best crime shows (low on gore)

[LisaR]

My daughter would like to do a forensic science course. I would like to show her a few episodes of a good show that focuses on forensics but I don't want to scare the crap out of her. I am thinking that a show from a few years back would be better options compared to the shows on TV today. She wouldn't do well with a CSI type show. Anyone remember an appropriate show from "the old days" that would be good? Thanks!

 

[Cindy B]

What is the age of the daughter?

I've been in a lot of middle schools and the original CSI seems to be favored by the middle school set. My son will watch it occasionally and he's in 7th grade. In terms of gore, it actually is pretty tame.

The old shows aren't really good IMHO. I was watching St. Elsewhere (a prior favorite) and the writing for that was more focused on the characters and NOT the procedures.

Crime shows are different than forensic shows. There's a huge difference from Perry Mason to Marcus Welby if that makes any sense.

Check your cable/satellite listings-- there used to be a show called forensic files but I'm not sure if it is still on.

 

[LisaR]

You're right, there is a big difference between crime shows and forensic shows. I don't know why I put that in the title. I think it is past my bedtime!

My daughter is 13. I have never watched CSI. I'll check out an episode on Netflix. Thanks!

 

[ead79]

I think CSI would probably show the most procedural stuff that your DD would be interested in. However, the lack of gore and appropriateness for a 13 year old varies pretty wildly from episode to episode. I would just preview each episode before letting her see it. Since it's set in Las Vegas, sometimes the story lines involve stuff you might not want her seeing.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

The old days would be Quincy. Ouch, now I am dating myself.

Frankly you do not have to do a "show" there are real forensics programs out there. I know there is a guy and a gal that I have seen. I will have to remember who they were.

 

[Robinrs]

TruTV has lots of good forensic shows (non scripted) on regularly. Forensic Files is my favorite and North Mission Road is another good one. Friday they show Forensic Fridays where the whole of primetime is dedicated to the study of forensics.

CSI et al is a somewhat glamourized, accelerated for of the intense science which may give her a "Hollywood" take of forensics. The older shows don't even touch on the science, relying on confessions, fingerprints and eyewitnesses for conclusions.

 

[lunsusie]

How about NCIS? Episodes are available on the website:http://www.cbs.com/primetime/ncis/

 

[irishbosoxfan]

My daughter would like to do a forensic science course. I would like to show her a few episodes of a good show that focuses on forensics but I don't want to scare the crap out of her. I am thinking that a show from a few years back would be better options compared to the shows on TV today. She wouldn't do well with a CSI type show. Anyone remember an appropriate show from "the old days" that would be good? Thanks!

If your DD is scared easily or doesn't handle gore well I don't think forensic science is for her. Granted she could specialize but that would be after the fact. Blood,brain matter,bugs etc are all par for the course.

TruTV has lots of good forensic shows (non scripted) on regularly. Forensic Files is my favorite and North Mission Road is another good one. Friday they show Forensic Fridays where the whole of primetime is dedicated to the study of forensics.

CSI et al is a somewhat glamourized, accelerated for of the intense science which may give her a "Hollywood" take of forensics. The older shows don't even touch on the science, relying on confessions, fingerprints and eyewitnesses for conclusions.

I was thinking the same thing.

I think it's the ID channel,I'm not sure but anyways they now have a show called CSU and it is real life Penn State students in the Forensic Science Program solving crimes from staged crime scenes

 

[LisaR]

I ordered Forensic Files from Netflix and I think I will try NCIS. I have never seen either one. I do not plan on having her watch an entire series. I just think it will tie in nicely to view an occasional episode based on the topic.

DD hates gore so, yeah, forensic science may not be the best thing for her. She insisted on seeing Dark Knight this weekend with friends and I don't think she will ever recover! However, she loves mysteries and she loves putting the pieces together and solving them. She also likes all the aspects we have discussed about forensic science but she could never go to a crime scene and mull over a dead body. However, that isn't the goal of this. This is to fulfill a science credit. We will stay far away from dead people!

 

[lillygator]

Forensic Files is awesome! Snapped is ok, CSI is more regular "tv" to me.

 

[corndog]

Diagnosis Murder?

 

[Robinrs]

Forensic Files is awesome! Snapped is ok, CSI is more regular "tv" to me.

I like Snapped, too but there were so many repeats! I really don't mind seeing Forensic files more than once, I learn so much from that show!

Comparing CSI to TruTV is like comparing Circus of the Stars to Cirque de Soleil. In a whole different league.

 

[Teresa Pitman]

I agree with both Diagnosis Murder and Quincy. They're both available on DVD or you could rent them. Sure, they're old, but they get across the idea of how forensics are used and there's minimal blood & gore.

Teresa

 

[lillygator]

also, how about an internship or volunteer work at the local pd?

 

[momof1princess]

I agree with the PP who suggested forensic files-it gives you an idea of the work involved without the gore. VERY rarely do you see any, and if you do, it's usually a crime scene photograph. the new detectives on TLC and cold case files on A&E are slightly higher on the gore scale than forensic files, but not much. my DD10 has seen most of them and they don't faze her at all.