Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that this show addresses mature themes. Past plotlines have dealt with illness (cancer, depression, stress-related incontinence), parent-child clashes, homosexuality, unwanted pregnancy, peer pressure, and teen sex. Family and friendship relationships are examined closely through these hot-button issues.
Sexual
Content
Only some kissing onscreen; much discussion of sexual issues, including unwanted teen pregnancy, young kids having sex, and a married women discovering her husband is gay.
Violence
In several episodes, a teenage boy experiencing the adverse effects of brain surgery has violent outbursts.
Language
Occasionally characters say mild curse words on the level of "dam." The Brown kids have said "d--k" and "s--t" in anger.
Social
Behavior
One multiracial couple is featured; otherwise the characters are white. Two feuding doctors slowly come to appreciate each other. Teens from different walks of life form unlikely friendships.
Consumerism
Not applicable
Drugs / Tobacco /
Alcohol
Drinking among high school students has been shown but not advocated; episodes have addressed the pros and cons of antidepressants.