Criminal Record (2024) Parents Guide: Is the series OK for kids?

Sexual content is minimal, limited to brief discussions about past or implied relationships. There are no explicit sexual scenes or nudity. One scene shows a woman removing her shirt, revealing a bra underneath, but it is not sexually graphic. Intimate moments are implied rather than shown.

Violence is moderate but impactful, with depictions of physical altercations, threats, and the aftermath of violent acts. A character experiences domestic abuse, shown through emotional distress and subtle physical signs rather than graphic detail. There are descriptions of past murders and dismemberment, and characters are subjected to intimidation and physical harassment. A significant incident involves a character being attacked and beaten, though the most graphic aspects are implied rather than explicitly…

The language in this season is strong and frequent, with pervasive use of expletives such as "f**k," "sh*t," "b*stard," and "c*nt" in virtually every episode. Characters, particularly Hegarty, use profanity liberally to express anger, frustration, or in casual conversation. The language contributes to the gritty, realistic tone of the police drama.

Alcohol consumption is present throughout the season, with characters frequently drinking in social settings and at home. While there are instances of characters being visibly intoxicated, overt drug use is largely absent. Some scenes take place in pubs or involve casual drinking. There are no depictions of heavy drug abuse or addiction as central plot points.

The season explores dark and mature themes including racial injustice within the judicial system, institutional corruption, police brutality, and the trauma of wrongful conviction. Characters grapple with betrayal, professional integrity, and the emotional burden of their investigations. Domestic abuse, murder, and the psychological impact of these events on victims and detectives are central to the narrative, particularly concerning Errol Mathis's case and Hegarty's family issues.