Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that steamy simulated sex, innuendo, euphemisms ("riding his joystick," for example), body-related slang ("hooters," "cooch," and "p---y"), and strong language ("s--t" and "f--k" are censored; "ass," "bitch," and "damn" are audible) are common fare in this brilliant comedy series about the tribulations of the teen years. Teens engage in casual physical encounters (expect to see everything but full-on genital nudity), but rather than simply glorifying the sexy content, the show explores the emotional consequences of these encounters. Viewers will see some pretty snarky meanness from social divas who use social media (and, in at least one case, sexting) to torment their peers, as well as a cast of mostly ineffective and out-of-touch adult role models. This show's mature content isn't appropriate for young teens, and it's a good idea to watch this with your older ones so you can discuss the show's messages about relationships and other coming-of-age themes.
Sexual
Content
Nudity is implied rather than shown, but graphic simulated sex is punctuated by groaning, sweating, and an obvious moment of climax. Kissing and making out, and a teen engages in casual sex with a classmate to start a relationship with him, which she quickly rethinks. Sexual references include erotic fetishes, humping, pornography, date rape, sexually touching a girl, and teen pregnancy. Euphemisms like "riding his joystick" and anatomical slang like "t-ts," "hooters," "knockers," "p---y," "d--k," "cooch," and "ta-tas."
Violence
An accident is misconstrued as a teen's suicide attempt, and she's left with a broken arm.
Language
Multiple uses of "bitch," "hell," and "ass." "F--k" and "s--t" are bleeped or muted.
Social
Behavior
A teen attempts to turn the tables on her social adversity by stepping outside her comfort zone and reaching out to others. Stereotypes exist among the high-schoolers (nerds, jocks, divas). Popularity is the gauge by which teens' worth is measured, but its definition changes as the show progresses. Bullying takes the form of verbal abuse as well as cyberbullying and sexting, as when a teen sends out a photo of a classmate's breasts to humiliate her. Casual sex isn't uncommon, but some characters experience emotional fallout from it. Teens share personal thoughts through uncensored social media and blogs.
Consumerism
Not applicable
Drugs / Tobacco /
Alcohol
Teens drink (sometimes excessively) at social events, and there are references to getting drunk and going to keggers.