NCIS: Los Angeles
NCIS: Los Angeles is an American military police procedural television series that aired on CBS from 2009 to 2023. As a spin-off of the successful NCIS franchise, it follows the exploits of the Los Angeles-based Office of Special Projects (OSP), an elite division of the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) that specializes in deep undercover assignments. The series combines action, espionage, and criminal investigation as its team of highly trained agents, including G. Callen and Sam Hanna, work to apprehend dangerous and elusive criminals who pose threats to national security. The show's narrative focuses on complex cases, often involving international crime and terrorism, and explores the personal lives and relationships of the agents. While featuring strong character development and intricate plots, the content is geared towards mature audiences, with themes and depictions of violence, intense situations, and some adult language.
Concerns
Violence
HighThe series features frequent and intense violence, including graphic depictions of crime scenes and combat. Shootouts, explosions, hand-to-hand combat, and investigations into brutal murders are common. The aftermath of violence can be visually disturbing, with detailed descriptions of injuries and corpses.
In the episode "The Monster" (Season 9, Episode 19), a crime scene involves a victim found dismembered and sewn back together with pieces of other bodies, which is described as "the most horrifying thing I've ever seen." Throughout the series, agents like Callen and Sam Hanna are regularly involved in gunfights, physical altercations, and high-stakes operations where lives are constantly at risk.
Scary & Intense Content
HighThe series is consistently high in scary and intense content, featuring frequent life-threatening situations, graphic crime scenes, and psychological tension. Undercover operations often put agents in extreme danger, and episodes can involve torture, hostage situations, and terrorist threats.
The episode "The Monster" (Season 9, Episode 19) opens with a man strapped to a frame, subjected to torture in front of a masked audience, leading to the discovery of a mutilated body. Characters frequently endure intense scenarios, such as Kam Hanna being kidnapped, harassed, and tortured, yet still insisting on attending a protest, highlighting the extreme risks faced by the characters and their loved ones.
LGBTQ & Gender Identity
MediumLGBTQ representation in "NCIS: Los Angeles" is present, though not a central focus. A recurring gay character, Anatoli Kirkin, is portrayed as a Russian mobster who frequently flirts with Agent Marty Deeks, a portrayal that some reviews have criticized as stereotypical. Additionally, the NCIS Database lists an uncredited "Transgender Woman" character in relation to NCIS: Los Angeles, indicating some level of transgender representation, albeit minor.
Anatoli Kirkin, a recurring Russian mobster, is openly gay and consistently flirts with Agent Marty Deeks across several episodes, notably in "Warrior of Peace" (Season 9, Episode 17). The NCIS Database also mentions an uncredited character identified as a "Transgender Woman" in the NCIS: Los Angeles Database, portrayed by Kenneth Kynt Bryan.
Romance and Sexual Content
MediumRomance is a significant element, particularly the long-term relationship between Kensi Blye and Marty Deeks, which includes kissing and emotional intimacy. While explicit sexual acts are generally implied rather than shown, there can be suggestive dialogue and situations, especially during undercover operations where agents may pose as romantic partners.
The romantic relationship between Special Agent Kensi Blye and Detective Marty Deeks, known as 'Densi,' progresses from flirtation to marriage, featuring numerous kisses and intimate moments. Kensi Blye mentions that in earlier undercover assignments, she sometimes had to wear bikinis when necessary to maintain her cover.
Profanity
MediumThe show includes moderate profanity, utilizing words such as 'damn,' 'hell,' 'crap,' and 'ass.' While stronger expletives like the 'f-word' are typically bleeped or avoided, the overall language can be considered strong for younger audiences, especially during tense or confrontational scenes.
The Parents Television Council notes that the broader NCIS franchise, which includes NCIS: Los Angeles, uses terms like 'son of a bitch,' 'bastard,' 'ass,' 'crap,' 'damn,' and 'hell.' Characters frequently use exclamations like 'What the hell...' when shocked or frustrated, such as in response to disturbing crime scenes.
Substance Use
MediumThe series depicts substance use, including illegal drugs and alcohol, primarily in the context of criminal investigations or as a character's struggle with addiction. Consequences of drug use are often shown, and alcohol consumption is present in social settings.
In the episode "Recovery," a character named Winkler details being in a "drug-fueled haze" after scoring 'crystal' (crystal meth) and refers to the drug's effects. Another character, Gary Leonida, is discussed as having relapsed from sobriety and checked into rehab. Cases often involve drug cartels and trafficking, such as a plane found with $18 million in phony bills and cocaine, linked to the Acosta Cartel.
Disrespect & Rebellion
MediumCharacters, particularly Marty Deeks, often engage in sarcastic banter and mild backtalk with their superiors and colleagues. While not outright insubordination, this reflects a casual disrespect for strict adherence to rules or authority figures. Hetty Lange also frequently operates outside conventional bureaucratic channels.
Marty Deeks is known for his playful, snarky remarks and often challenges his partner Kensi Blye or other team members with sarcasm, as seen in various dialogues about social media or personal habits. Henrietta 'Hetty' Lange, the Operations Manager, often bypasses official protocols and engages in unconventional methods, requiring her team to navigate complex ethical and procedural boundaries.
Witchcraft & Occult
Low"NCIS: Los Angeles" is a secular military police procedural focused on realistic crime and espionage, not supernatural themes. There is no central plot or recurring element involving witchcraft, sorcery, or the occult.
The series consistently adheres to a realistic portrayal of law enforcement and intelligence operations, with no known episodes or storylines featuring magic rituals, demons, spells, or other occult practices. The show's genre and narrative focus preclude the regular inclusion of witchcraft or occult elements.
Anti-Christian Themes
Low"NCIS: Los Angeles" is a secular crime drama with minimal focus on religious themes. There is no overt promotion of anti-Christian messages, nor does it typically feature characters or plotlines that mock, insult, or critique Christian beliefs or practices.
The show's core narrative revolves around military-related criminal investigations and espionage, consistently avoiding direct engagement with religious doctrines or anti-Christian sentiments. While an episode may occasionally feature a church or religious figure as a setting or tangential character, these elements are not used to promote negative views of Christianity.
Other Notes
Target Demographic
TV-14. The series is recommended for viewers aged 14 and older due to frequent intense violence, graphic crime scenes, moderate profanity, and some suggestive romantic and thematic elements. The complex plots and mature subject matter are generally more suitable for teenagers and adults.
Additional Notes
NCIS: Los Angeles ran for 14 seasons, from 2009 to 2023, and its content generally maintained a consistent level of mature themes throughout its run. Parents should be aware that later seasons continue to feature intense violence and complex moral dilemmas typical of the police procedural genre. The series often deals with sensitive geopolitical issues and the personal toll of high-stakes undercover work on its characters.
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