Common Sense Note

Parents need to know that Hercules: The Legendary Journeys is a '90s action series about mythical monsters and gods and battles between forces of good and evil. Expect a lot of violent exchanges with swords, knives, clubs, and other weapons, but very little gore or human drama associated with them. The concept of blood sacrifice and multiple vengeful gods might raise some questions among your teens, which could be directed toward an exploration of mythology in its original form. As role models go, Hercules is as good as they come, thanks to his high moral standards, his willingness to fight for what he believes in, and his emphasis on inspiring those around him with his civic-minded actions. The sexy nature of this show's content is an important factor to consider for your tweens, so you might want to assess the messages sent by the revealing costumes and the female characters' lustful expressions toward the chiseled Hercules.

Sexual Content

Women flaunt their bodies in skimpy costumes that show cleavage, the outline of their breasts, and in some cases expose their buttocks entirely. Men -- especially the chiseled Hercules -- often are shown bare-chested. There's a strong sexual tone to Hercules' interaction with female characters, many of whom try to seduce him. The physical content stops at kissing, but the implications are there.

Violence

Fight scenes are marked by punching and kicking as well as the use of weapons (swords, staffs, knives, bows and arrows, clubs, etc.). Occasionally death scenes are drawn out and bloody, and rarely the plot brings kids into the mix of the fighting. Blood is used in sacrificial rites. Gods possess people and force them into evil plots.

Language

"Dammit" is the strongest language.

Social Behavior

The show clearly defines right and wrong, and Hercules is a worthy hero who always chooses the righteous path and influences others to do the same. Themes of equality, respect, and justice are strong throughout the stories, as is the message to follow your own convictions and stand up for what you believe is right. The show is loosely inspired by the legends of Hercules and Zeus and includes elements of spiritual rites like blood sacrifice.

Consumerism

The series inspired a line of action figures and other kid-targeted products back during its original run in the '90s.

Drugs / Tobacco / Alcohol

Not applicable