Common Sense Note

Parents need to know that Crossbones is a tense, dark show about political intrigues among pirates on a tropical island in the 18th century. Young children may be attracted to the pirate theme, but this is not a show for kids. There is heavy and intense violence (on-screen stabbings, blood, shootings), as well as disturbing and potentially traumatizing images (an altar made of skulls, a decayed body, a woman with blood running from her eyes). In addition, the twists and turns are intricate and will confuse younger watchers. Parents may also dislike that most of the women on-screen are prostitutes and that there are references to their trade. There are a few curses, and characters drink on-screen; one character abuses drugs to deal with his chronic pain.

Sexual Content

References to sex include a prostitute explaining how she and her cohorts handle birth control, extramarital flirting and kissing, and men begging women to have sex with them.

Violence

There's violence in every episode, including stabbings, swordplay and gunplay, on-screen deaths, hangings, and dead and decayed bodies. Many of the fights are rather stylized, but others end in gore and death. Some characters glorify violence as a means of leadership.

Language

Infrequent cursing, including "bastard" and "ass."

Social Behavior

Lots of intrigue and politics with no clear positive messages.

Consumerism

Not applicable

Drugs / Tobacco / Alcohol

Characters drink liquor and act drunk and violent; a man takes opium for pain and admits it makes him weak and impotent.