Common Sense Note

Parents need to know that although Once Upon a Time is inspired by classic fairy tales such as Snow White, Pinocchio, and revivals of popular stories such as Mulan and Frozen, it's not always age-appropriate for younger kids. The content is often violent -- including murder, sword fights, and death threats -- and much of the story is clouded in a sense of peril and shifting loyalties. There's some implied sexual content (including women buttoning up their blouses and lovers escaping out of windows), some innuendo, and occasional iffy language ("hell," "ass," "suck"). The upside? It has multi-generational appeal, but parents may want to preview before sharing with tweens.

Sexual Content

Couples shown getting dressed after implied sexual activity; shirtless men, bare-backed women visible. Some bed-hopping implied.

Violence

Bloody sword fights, explosions, destroying people's actual hearts, and murder. Frightening images of creatures such as trolls.

Language

Infrequent use of "bastard," "ass," "hell," and "suck."

Social Behavior

Themes include love, good and evil, abandonment, and a lack of fulfillment.

Consumerism

Emma drives a classic Volkswagen Beetle.

Drugs / Tobacco / Alcohol

Some social drinking (beer, mostly), but without ill effect.