Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that this classic TV drama about artistic teens growing up in New York City in the 1980s is generally clean when it comes to language and sexual content -- and it's much tamer than the R-rated 1980 movie it was based on. Storylines occasionally include secondary characters who have serious problems with drugs, alcohol, or violent crime or involve heavy themes like prostitution and debilitating disease. But the primary role models -- and messages -- are overwhelmingly positive.
Sexual
Content
It's rare for a storyline to involve sex, but it happens from time to time. In one episode, for example, a student meets a teen prostitute while preparing for a drama project and befriends her.
Violence
Rare verbal sparring between major characters, including students and teachers. Secondary characters who make one-time appearances occasionally lead violent lives.
Language
Some mild insults like "jerk," "dumb," and "stupid." Rare uses of gateway phrases like "damn it."
Social
Behavior
The series is purposefully positive and regularly includes specific take-away lessons for teen viewers on topics like drinking, sex, etc.
Consumerism
Not applicable
Drugs / Tobacco /
Alcohol
On rare occasions, a secondary character has a drinking or drug problem. In one episode, for example, a student's brother shows up drunk.