Common Sense Note

Parents need to know that Prime Suspect centers on a no-nonsense female detective who is dedicated to her job but largely neglects her personal life and anyone who happens to be in it. In one episode, she elects to have an abortion. She also struggles with alcoholism, which, although it isn't a major focus of the show, ultimately plays an important role in the end of the series. Prime Suspect is renowned for its realism, including gritty crime and autopsy scenes with visible blood and occasional nudity, as well as cases that touch on racism, child pornography, and rape, among other tense topics. There's also some low-level swearing ("hell," "damn"), but, overall, the series is understated rather than gratuitous.

Sexual Content

The main character sleeps with several partners over the course of the series and at one point decides to have an abortion. Nudity includes visible breasts and nipples but is typically in a clinical setting, such as an autopsy or crime scene.

Violence

Crime scenes and autopsies are highly realistic, with visible blood and closeups of wounds. Some of the crimes -- such as sexual abuse of children or rape -- gives the series a dark, disturbing tone.

Language

Audible terms include "hell," "damn," and "balls."

Social Behavior

The series takes a realistic stance when it comes to its characters, the crimes they investigate, and the grim, untidy world in which they live, touching on sexism, racism, pedophilia, child prostitution, and drugs. That said, justice is a major theme.

Consumerism

Not applicable

Drugs / Tobacco / Alcohol

The main character drinks heavily and chain smokes, and her alcoholism is a recurring theme, although it isn't typically the focus.