Common Sense Note

Parents need to know that 21 Jump Street is basically Law & Order for teens, and much more serious than the 2012 theatrical release of the same name. Battle lines are drawn clearly: The show's police officers are on the side of good, the criminals on the side of bad. There is very little moral ambiguity; it is easily evident who viewers are supposed to root for. This is a police procedural show, so there is a "crime of the week" on each episode; parents may be concerned about some of the crimes spotlighted, such as one episode where a young baseball player is menaced by villains out to murder him, as well as one where one of the show's officers is named in a paternity suit leveled by a high-schooler. Many kids will find the dated fashions, music, and expressions hilarious; parents may find themselves explaining outdated slang.

Sexual Content

Some references are made to dating, love, and romance, as well as to characters (male and female) being attractive. There is no nudity or onscreen sex, but there may be mature discussions, such as one episode that features a teen who accuses an adult of impregnating her, and another where a young girl becomes a prostitute.

Violence

Violence, drugs, prostitution, even murder are confronted head-on from the stance of "crime doesn't pay"; criminals may brandish guns but there is no bloodshed. Violence is always followed by consequences, and the characters in danger are almost always teenagers and adults.

Language

Characters occasionally insult each other ("dork," "spazz"), and the general tone between the officers is one of mockery. Villains on the show occasionally use words like "freaking" or "crap."

Social Behavior

There's a clear message that crime is bad and the most appealing folks on the show are the good guys. Social issues are front and center in the show, from gang issues to AIDS awareness. Crime may occasionally appear glamorous to teens, i.e. criminals are sometimes good-looking and appealing.

Consumerism

Not applicable

Drugs / Tobacco / Alcohol

Many episodes revolve around drugs and drinking, from the perspective of these things being negative. Criminals are often shown drinking and smoking or at bars.