Poster for Person of Interest

Person of Interest (2011) Parents Guide: Is the series OK for kids?

Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language

John Reese, former CIA paramilitary operative, is presumed dead and teams up with reclusive billionaire Finch to prevent violent crimes in New York City by initiating their own type of justice. With the special training that Reese has had in Covert Operations and Finch's genius software inventing mind, the two are a perfect match for the job that they have to complete. With the help of surveillance equipment, they work "outside the law" and get the right criminal behind bars.

TV-14 • 2011 • 5 seasons

8.1
2K+
Average rating by Bontent members
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Age
14+

This sci-fi crime procedural earns its TV-14 rating primarily for consistent, intense action violence. Nearly every episode features gunfights, hand-to-hand combat, and characters in peril, with the vigilante protagonist regularly shooting people in the kneecaps to neutralize them; injuries and some blood are shown, but gore is rare. Parents should also be aware of the show's increasingly complex and mature themes, which include… Sign up for the full guide

Cast

Jim Caviezel
Jim Caviezel
Michael Emerson
Michael Emerson
Kevin Chapman
Kevin Chapman
Amy Acker
Amy Acker
Sarah Shahi
Sarah Shahi
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Is Person of Interest appropriate for kids?

This sci-fi crime procedural earns its TV-14 rating primarily for consistent, intense action violence. Nearly every episode features gunfights, hand-to-hand combat, and characters in peril, with the vigilante protagonist regularly shooting people in the kneecaps to neutralize… Read more — free account

Content severity in Person of Interest Sign up for season-by-season breakdown

Substances Intense 8/10
Language Moderate 4/10
Sex/Nudity Moderate 4/10
Violence/Gore Intense 8/10
Mature Themes Intense 8/10

Sex and nudity in Person of Interest

Sexual content is mild. There are infrequent references to prostitution or suggestive situations, such as a man shown shirtless in bed with a woman in the pilot episode. Romantic tension appears in a few episodes, like "The Fix," but there is no nudity or explicit sexual activity. A "graphic" recording referenced in an external guide is not present in this season.

Violence and gore in Person of Interest

Violence is frequent and impactful, primarily involving gunfights, close-quarters combat, and explosions. While graphic depictions are largely avoided, characters are often shown being shot, stabbed, or beaten, with some visible blood and injuries. Torture is implied and briefly depicted without excessive gore in several episodes, particularly associated with Samaritan's operatives or criminal interrogations. The sheer volume and intensity of violent encounters mark this as a significant element of the season.

Language in Person of Interest

Mild language is used occasionally, including words like 'hell,' 'damn,' and 'bitch.' Profanity is not pervasive but appears in moments of stress, anger, or frustration, particularly from characters like Reese and Shaw when confronting criminals or facing personal danger.

Mature themes in Person of Interest

Pervasive themes include the loss of privacy, governmental overreach, and the ethical implications of artificial intelligence controlling society. Difficult choices, betrayal, sacrifice, and the psychological toll of constant surveillance and conflict weigh heavily on the characters. The consequences of Samaritan's control lead to tragic outcomes and the questioning of humanity's future.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Person of Interest appropriate for kids?

Bontent's parent guide suggests Person of Interest is best for ages 14+. It's rated TV-14. This sci-fi crime procedural earns its TV-14 rating primarily for consistent, intense action violence. Nearly every episode features gunfights, hand-to-hand combat, and characters in peril, with the vigilante…

What age rating does Person of Interest have?

Person of Interest is rated TV-14. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 14+.

What is Person of Interest about?

This sci-fi crime procedural earns its TV-14 rating primarily for consistent, intense action violence. Nearly every episode features gunfights, hand-to-hand combat, and characters in peril, with the vigilante protagonist regularly shooting people in the kneecaps to neutralize them; injuries and some blood are shown…

How many seasons does Person of Interest have?

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

Is there sex or nudity in Person of Interest?

Our reviewers didn't note meaningful sexual content across Person of Interest.

How violent is Person of Interest?

Violence isn't a standout concern across Person of Interest per our reviewers.

Is the language in Person of Interest appropriate for kids?

Strong language isn't flagged across Person of Interest.

Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in Person of Interest?

Drug, alcohol, and smoking depictions are minimal across Person of Interest.

What mature themes appear in Person of Interest?

Heavy thematic material isn't a defining feature of Person of Interest.

Where can I read the full Person of Interest parent guide?

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