FBI
FBI (2018) is a fast-paced American police procedural crime drama created by Dick Wolf, focusing on the intricate operations of the New York office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The series follows Special Agents Maggie Bell and Omar Adom 'OA' Zidan as they utilize advanced technology and investigative skills to tackle a wide array of threats, including terrorism, organized crime, and complex criminal cases, all aimed at protecting the American public. Running for multiple seasons on CBS, the show consistently delivers intense storylines and delves into challenging societal issues, reflecting a commitment to depicting the realities of federal law enforcement. It is generally targeted at a mature audience due to its thematic content and graphic depictions of crime.
Concerns
Violence
HighThe series frequently features graphic and intense violence, including mass casualties, shootouts, and descriptions of brutal crimes. Plots often revolve around terrorism, murder, and other highly dangerous situations, with visible bloodshed and disturbing aftermaths. This content is consistent with a crime procedural dealing with federal investigations.
In one instance, 'A homeless man grabs the backpack, gets on a bus and the entire vehicle goes up in flames, killing everyone on board. Innocent civilians scream and flee the scene. Later, bloodied body bags lie on the ground.' Another example describes 'a few members of the terrorist group shoot and kill innocent civilians, including an FBI agent. Other agents engage in a few shootouts in order to save hostages.'
Scary & Intense Content
HighThe series features consistently high levels of scary and intense content, driven by its crime drama genre. It includes harrowing depictions of terrorism, active shooter situations, kidnappings, and other life-threatening scenarios. The show effectively uses suspense and a dramatic score to amplify feelings of dread and urgency.
The pilot episode, 'Pilot', begins with 'a bomb explosion devastates a residential apartment building.' Subsequent episodes maintain this intensity, such as when 'Chaos erupts in the city when an attack disrupts cell, internet and emergency services' in 'Wolf Pack' (Season 8, Episode 10), depicting widespread terror and societal disruption caused by a radical movement.
LGBTQ & Gender Identity
MediumThe series 'FBI (2018)' is noted to include LGBTQ representation within its universe, with sources confirming at least one queer character in the main show. While specific detailed plotlines for an openly gay character within 'FBI (2018)' are not extensively highlighted in general reviews, the broader 'FBI' franchise, including spin-offs, does feature more explicit LGBTQ characters and relationships. The series creator's intention has been to be apolitical, but representation is present.
LezWatch.TV confirms that 'FBI (2018)' features at least one queer character. Furthermore, Zeeko Zaki, a lead actor in 'FBI', mentioned meeting the first openly gay agent at the New York office, indicating that the show draws inspiration from diverse real-world FBI personnel. While concrete, named examples for the main 'FBI (2018)' series are scarce in public reviews, the spin-off 'FBI: Most Wanted' notably features a main character, Sheryll Barnes, who is openly homosexual and has a wife and daughter, demonstrating the franchise's capacity for explicit LGBTQ representation.
Romance and Sexual Content
MediumThe show incorporates mature romantic and sexual themes, including references to sexual assault and rape as plot elements, which are handled in a serious and often grim manner. While explicit sexual acts are generally not shown due to broadcast standards, implied sexual activity and suggestive themes contribute to the adult nature of the content.
Plots in 'FBI (2018)' 'may revolve around topics such as rape, sexual assault', indicating the presence of mature and potentially disturbing sexual themes, though these are typically handled with a focus on investigation rather than explicit depiction. The related series 'FBI: International' is described as having 'sexually risqué moments… few and far between' but the presence of such thematic elements suggests a similar approach for the main 'FBI' series, given common network standards and franchise consistency.
Profanity
MediumThe series contains moderate to frequent profanity, including common curse words and occasional stronger expletives. This use of language is consistent with its TV-14 rating and the stressful, high-stakes environments depicted for federal agents.
Characters on 'FBI (2018)' 'spout profanities such as 'h—,' 'a–,' 'd–n' and the phrase 'son of a b–ch.'' The show's TV-14 rating indicates that viewers can expect 'a bit of profanity' throughout its episodes.
Substance Use
MediumSubstance use, particularly alcohol consumption, is depicted, often as a coping mechanism for the stressful work of the FBI agents. Drug-related crimes also form part of the investigative storylines, though explicit drug use by main characters is not a central focus.
The 'FBI team gathers together and takes shots of hard liquor in honor of a fallen team member', illustrating alcohol use in a social and coping context. Additionally, the character Special Agent Omar Adom 'OA' Zidan previously 'worked undercover for the drug ward', indicating that drug trafficking and related substance issues are integral to the types of cases investigated in the series.
Witchcraft & Occult
LowThere is no evidence to suggest the presence of witchcraft or occult themes within 'FBI (2018)'. The series focuses on realistic crime drama, law enforcement, and counter-terrorism, grounded in contemporary investigative methods.
No verifiable examples of witchcraft or occult practices, rituals, or supernatural elements were identified in the content analysis of 'FBI (2018)'. The show adheres strictly to a police procedural format dealing with terrestrial criminal threats.
Disrespect & Rebellion
LowThe overarching theme of 'FBI (2018)' is the upholding of law and order, with the main characters dedicated to their roles and operating within established authority structures. While the show features criminals who engage in rebellion and disrespect, this is portrayed negatively as part of the criminal acts the FBI is tasked to combat. There is no significant portrayal of disrespect or rebellion from the primary heroic characters toward legitimate authority.
The series focuses on the mission 'To protect the American people. Uphold the Constitution of the United States', with agents like Maggie Bell and Omar Adom 'OA' Zidan diligently working within the FBI framework. Instances of defiance are typically associated with the antagonists, such as the terrorist groups or criminals the agents pursue, rather than the protagonists. For example, agents often face subjects who 'lie and express pain and frustration over politics and needless murder', indicating the targets of their investigations are those rebellious against societal norms and laws.
Anti-Christian Themes
LowThe series does not exhibit explicit anti-Christian themes. Instead, it appears to approach religious belief, particularly Christianity, with a neutral or even respectful tone. A prominent main character is depicted as a person of faith, suggesting that religious belief is not inherently disparaged within the show's narrative.
Special Agent Omar Adom 'OA' Zidan is shown to be a man of faith, with a review noting, 'OA giving a bit of insight into how he grew up and how religion played into his life was something I needed… It’s nice to see him still believing after everything he’s experienced.' Furthermore, OA is depicted 'laying down biblical passages' during an interrogation, showcasing his faith as an integral part of his character without negative portrayal.
Other Notes
Target Demographic
A Christian parent's guide would recommend 'FBI (2018)' for audiences aged 14 and older, primarily due to its TV-14 rating which reflects frequent intense violence, mature themes including sexual assault, moderate profanity, and some substance use. While the show aims to uphold law and order, the graphic nature of the crimes investigated and the pervasive threats depicted require a level of maturity to process. Younger viewers may find the content disturbing or emotionally overwhelming.
Additional Notes
Parents should be aware that while 'FBI (2018)' is a network procedural, its themes are consistently dark and reflect real-world criminal activities. The show's interconnectedness with its spin-offs ('FBI: Most Wanted', 'FBI: International') means that thematic elements and sensitivities regarding topics like LGBTQ representation might evolve across the broader franchise, even if not intensely explicit in the main series.
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