Common Sense Note

Parents need to know that 12 Monkeys is a science-fiction show loosely based on Terry Gilliam's dystopian film about time travelers attempting to prevent a plague that wipes out most of humanity. Dread and menace are constant, with enemies popping up unexpectedly and characters dying suddenly. There are point-blank shootings, stabbings, blood, gore, and disturbing medical/military imagery, including scenes of dead bodies being piled high post-plague. Heroic characters have murky/unclear motives and questionable methods.

Sexual Content

One character advises another to "get laid," and the former jokes he'll go back in time and have sex with his friend's mother.

Violence

The show's plot hinges on a plague that destroys mankind; there are disturbing images of dead bodies being stacked in piles; starving, bleeding people; faceless evil people who come out of nowhere to menace characters; and stabbings, shootings, and bludgeonings. Lots of disturbing medical/military imagery.

Language

Frequent "hell" and "damn," occasional "s--t" and "a--hole."

Social Behavior

Consumerism

This show is based on an American remake of a French sci-fi movie; viewers may want to see one or both movies, which are more violent and disturbing than this show.

Drugs / Tobacco / Alcohol

A character briefly smokes on-screen.