Common Sense Note

Parents need to know that this intense medical drama with graphic situations (lots of blood and surgeries) and mature storylines isn't for young audiences. Death, disease, and physical injuries are in every episode. Rape, neglect, physical abuse, spousal abuse, teen pregnancy, abortion, and incest have all been plots, sometimes involving young kids and teens; some patients have serious psychological ailments. The sexual relationships between doctors are often at the center of the drama. Parents will want to watch with their teens and be prepared for a follow-up conversation. If you allow your teens to watch, make sure they're comfortable seeing gross visuals of blood and surgeries.

Sexual Content

Doctors occasionally hook up (which leads to passionate kissing and suggested sex), and/or viewers see "the morning after." No sensitive body parts are shown.

Violence

Graphic, bloody injuries. Patients are often outraged, psych patients throw temper tantrums, and doctors have been held at gunpoint and threatened -- and murdered -- in the ER.

Language

Four-letter words are used infrequently -- often toward doctors from angry patients. Also words like "tits," "hell," "bitch," "a--hole," etc.

Social Behavior

Despite the show's frequently mature content -- themes include teen pregnancy, abortion, rape, incest, racism, sexism, mental illness, psychological issues, substance abuse, domestic violence, and more -- there are also messages about persistence, hard work, teamwork, and caring for others.

Consumerism

Not applicable

Drugs / Tobacco / Alcohol

Both doctors and patients grapple with drug and alcohol addiction; smoking, social drinking.