Poster for Cannon

Cannon (1971) Parents Guide: Is the series OK for kids?

Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language

Cannon is a CBS detective television series produced by Quinn Martin which aired from March 26, 1971 to March 3, 1976. The primary protagonist is the title character, private detective Frank Cannon, played by William Conrad. He also appeared on two episodes of Barnaby Jones. Cannon is the first Quinn Martin-produced series to be aired on a network other than ABC. A "revival" television film, The Return of Frank Cannon, was aired on November 1, 1980. In total, there were 124 episodes.

TV-PG • 1971 • 5 seasons

6.7
Average rating by Bontent members
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Age
12+

This classic 1970s detective series follows private investigator Frank Cannon as he solves murders, kidnappings, and other complex crimes. The show's TV-PG rating reflects its consistent, though stylized and non-graphic, violence. Nearly every episode features fistfights, car chases, and shootouts, often culminating in the on-screen death of antagonists. Parents should also be aware of mild language (e.g., "hell," "damn") and frequent… Sign up for the full guide

Cast

William Conrad
William Conrad
Charles Bateman
Charles Bateman
Tim O'Connor
Tim O'Connor
Keith Andes
Keith Andes
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Is Cannon appropriate for kids?

This classic 1970s detective series follows private investigator Frank Cannon as he solves murders, kidnappings, and other complex crimes. The show's TV-PG rating reflects its consistent, though stylized and non-graphic, violence. Nearly every episode features fistfights, car… Read more — free account

Content severity in Cannon Sign up for season-by-season breakdown

Substances Intense 10/10
Language Moderate 4/10
Sex/Nudity Moderate 4/10
Violence/Gore Intense 10/10
Mature Themes Intense 10/10

Sex and nudity in Cannon

Mild innuendo and suggestive themes are present. Some episodes feature women in suggestive clothing or situations where romantic tension is implied, but there is no nudity or explicit sexual content. For example, a barmaid is mentioned in "Bitter Legion," implying a setting where suggestive behavior might occur, but not graphically shown.

Violence and gore in Cannon

The season contains consistent, moderate violence, including fistfights, car chases, and gun battles, often resulting in death. Villains are regularly shot or succumb to other violent acts, but gore is infrequent and not graphic. Cannon himself is often involved in physical altercations and sometimes uses a gun for self-defense or to apprehend criminals. Injuries are typically implied rather than explicitly shown.

Language in Cannon

Language is consistently mild, featuring words like "hell" and "damn." Stronger expletives are not used, fitting the TV-PG rating of the era. Dialogue is generally professional or conversational, with infrequent instances of frustration or anger expressed through mild language.

Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in Cannon

Frequent casual drinking among adult characters is depicted, usually in social settings like bars or restaurants. Some episodes feature plotlines involving drug dealing, with substances sometimes shown or explicitly discussed, but never graphic use or glorification. In "A Long Way Down," a doctor is accused of drug-dealing, and in "Death of a Stone Seahorse," a drug dealer's infirm sister is involved in a murder plot.

Mature themes in Cannon

Mature themes include murder, kidnapping, conspiracy, and revenge. Episodes touch on police corruption, the trauma of war, and the complexities of familial relationships under duress. Issues like terrorism are also explored in one instance, adding a layer of intensity to the narrative, though always resolved within the confines of the network TV drama. The emotional impact of crimes is present but handled in a way suitable for a PG audience.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Cannon appropriate for kids?

Bontent's parent guide suggests Cannon is best for ages 12+. It's rated TV-PG. This classic 1970s detective series follows private investigator Frank Cannon as he solves murders, kidnappings, and other complex crimes. The show's TV-PG rating reflects its consistent, though stylized and…

What age rating does Cannon have?

Cannon is rated TV-PG. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 12+.

What is Cannon about?

This classic 1970s detective series follows private investigator Frank Cannon as he solves murders, kidnappings, and other complex crimes. The show's TV-PG rating reflects its consistent, though stylized and non-graphic, violence. Nearly every episode features fistfights, car chases, and shootouts, often culminating…

How many seasons does Cannon have?

Cannon has 5 seasons covered in this parent guide. Sign up to see a season-by-season breakdown.

Is there sex or nudity in Cannon?

Our reviewers didn't note meaningful sexual content across Cannon.

How violent is Cannon?

Violence isn't a standout concern across Cannon per our reviewers.

Is the language in Cannon appropriate for kids?

Strong language isn't flagged across Cannon.

Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in Cannon?

Drug, alcohol, and smoking depictions are minimal across Cannon.

What mature themes appear in Cannon?

Heavy thematic material isn't a defining feature of Cannon.

Where can I read the full Cannon parent guide?

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