Intense police series delves into infamously violent cases.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Violence & Scariness
a lot
As a docuseries focused on real-life police cases, PD True covers extremely violent crimes, including mass shootings, terrorism, bomb threats, serial killers, and grisly murders. The series uses real police footage of crimes and crime scenes, 911 call recordings, and video of police interviews, making the content very intense. Guns and assault weapons are frequently shown, in the hands of both police and criminals. The series also depicts explosions, detailed crime scenes with mass casualties, and graphic footage of injured victims. The emotional storytelling and raw footage combine to create a harrowing and often distressing viewing experience.
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The series highlights police officers and SWAT team members who demonstrate extreme empathy, courage, and a willingness to put their lives on the line to protect others. The camaraderie and teamwork displayed as officers from various jurisdictions come together to manage crises showcase the dedication and unity of law enforcement professionals.
Positive Messages
a lot
Promotes messages of empathy, courage, and teamwork. These themes are woven throughout the episodes, showing the best of humanity in some of the most challenging and dangerous situations.
Educational Value
some
Viewers can gain a greater understanding of how law enforcement operates in crises. The series provides a deep dive into the inner workings of police departments, covering essential aspects such as the command chain, communication methods, and crime scene investigation procedures. The series offers insights into how triage is established on-site at crime scenes, the quick response of medical professionals at level 1 trauma hospitals, and the roles of negotiators and SWAT teams in high-pressure situations. Viewers can gain a greater understanding of how law enforcement operates in crises.
Diverse Representations
some
The series includes officers and victims from a variety of backgrounds and ethnicities. The first episode covers the Pulse nightclub shooting, which has significant LGBTQ+ representation, highlighting the community's impact and the police's response.
Parents need to know that PD True is an intense and often graphic docuseries about police officers and SWAT team members that includes real footage of violent crimes, including mass shootings and terrorist attacks. The show features strong language, graphic depictions of crime scenes, and distressing content. The series also covers sensitive topics such as autopsy findings and the aftermath of violent crimes, which may be upsetting. Sexual content, partial nudity, and strong profanity are also present.
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What's the Story?
PD TRUE is a police docuseries that revisits infamous real-life cases with commentary from the officers who were directly involved. The series begins with the mass shooting at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando in 2016, offering a gripping and emotional recount of the events from the perspective of law enforcement.
This docuseries is a compelling watch, especially for those interested in real-life crime and police work. PD True's use of first-hand accounts from officers, combined with body-cam footage and raw interviews, adds a layer of authenticity and depth to the storytelling. The series excels in showcasing the heroism of police officers while maintaining a focus on the humanity of both the officers and the victims. Instead of having a host, the show uses "cop to cop" conversations. The lack of bravado and the genuine conversations between senior police personnel and the officers involved add a refreshing and emotional dimension to the viewing experience.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the real-life impact of the crimes depicted in the series on both the victims and the law enforcement officers involved. Families can discuss how these traumatic events affect not only the immediate victims but also the officers who respond to them. How might ongoing exposure to such intense situations affect the mental health and well-being of law enforcement personnel?
Talk about how the officers in PD True rely on each other and work as a team to handle incredibly stressful and dangerous situations. Discuss how empathy plays a crucial role in their interactions with victims and each other during these crises.
Consider how the portrayal of police work in shows like PD True compares to fictional representations in movies and TV dramas. How might these differences affect public perception of law enforcement and the challenges officers face in their daily duties?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
suggesting a diversity update.
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
By Stephanie Morgan
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
