Common Sense Note

Parents need to know that this complex drama set in the 1960s depicts cultural practices that wouldn't be acceptable today, such as frequent sexual harassment in the office, as well as near-constant smoking and drinking (with characters sometimes appearing intoxicated). Old-fashioned gender dynamics are at play, but these gender dynamics are probed forcefully, and viewers feel the impact of conflicting expectations for young women who are both shamed for their sexuality and expected to provide easy access to sex to their superiors. Women and men frequently have sex, though only before and after scenes are shown.

Sexual Content

Ideas about women's sexual role is a big part of the drama. Discussion of sexual availability, expectations, birth control, and being "easy" -- as well as the role of wife, girlfriend, lover, and secretary. Frequent sexual harassment. Actual sex scenes are usually limited to kissing and post-coital pillow talk, though some women appear in bras or pasties (and some characters have unusual sexual turn-ons). Characters have affairs and hire prostitutes. Some scenes take place in a strip club.

Violence

Occasional yelling or domestic disputes. Rare car crashes resulting in injury.

Language

Words used include "s--t" (unbleeped), "damn," and "hell."

Social Behavior

Depicts behavior that is unacceptable in contemporary society -- sexism, racism, anti-Semitism -- but is meant to provide a culturally accurate representation of the time and contribute to dramatic exploration.

Consumerism

Real 1960s brands are discussed during ad campaigns, such as Lucky cigarettes.

Drugs / Tobacco / Alcohol

Smoking is ubiquitous -- even the doctors smoke in the exam room. One episode focuses on a cigarette advertising campaign. Drinking is also constant, with characters frequently drinking cocktails at lunch and even in the office, often to the point of drunkeness. Sometimes there are consequences for drinking, but sometimes it seems glamorous. In later seasons, characters experiment with pot and LSD.