Common Sense Note

Parents need to know that one of the main characters in this cult-fave space Western from the creator of Buffy the Vampire Slayer is a "companion" -- a glorified term for a high-class prostitute. One of the show's storylines centers on the attraction (and resulting sexual tension) between her and the ship's captain, and there's plenty of discussion of her job (it's a high-status profession in the show's world). There's lots of sci-fi action, though little of it results in visible bloodshed, and some characters drink and smoke.

Sexual Content

A fair amount of sexual discussion and innuendo, as well as scenes of people having sex -- though there's no explicit nudity. Strong attraction/sexual tension between two key characters, one of whom is more or less a high-class prostitute (prostitution is legal in the show's world, and characters often talk about the difference between licensed, respected companions and common whores). She puts a good deal of effort into defending the notion of sexual relationships without emotional entanglement -- though sometimes it seems that even she has trouble believing that. Kissing between male-female and female-female couples.

Violence

Plenty of action -- ranging from fistfights to gun battles -- but there's little blood or gore.

Language

Infrequent swearing includes words such as "son of a bitch."

Social Behavior

The Serenity crew operates on the fringes of the galaxy, where the rule of law is often less important than the power of the gun; in the pursuit of what's right and just, they must sometimes break the law. Unlike many space dramas, in which the captain makes all the decisions, this crew operates more like a democracy, with many decisions made as a group.

Consumerism

Not applicable

Drugs / Tobacco / Alcohol

Some drinking and smoking.