Common Sense Note

Parents need to know that this excellent adaptation of the classic Arthur Conan Doyle series is littered with dead bodies, but little actual onscreen violence. Storylines include terrorism, serial murderers, drug trafficking, and smuggling, and there are plenty of scary scenes and suspense throughout each episode. Expect some social drinking and references to nicotine patches and past drug addiction.

Sexual Content

Sexual innuendo and references to sexual activity, including infidelity, but no visible sexual acts.

Violence

The majority of the violence in the series occurs offscreen. Bodies are presented after the murders and scenes from war or battle are presented in flashbacks. There are a few disturing scenes, such as Sherlock whipping a body with a riding crop to determine bruise patterns for a case, or stepping on a serial murderer's gun wound to extract information.

Language

Mild language, such as "piss off" and similar British slang.

Social Behavior

The series is a bit brutal in its storylines: innocent people are murdered and killers are adept at reaching their victims. Holmes is presented as an anti-hero whose inability to make friends and interact with greater society - or the police force - in a normal manner are admirable qualities. Holmes is incredibly intelligent, yet his intelligence only serves to ostracize from the rest of society.

Consumerism

Not applicable

Drugs / Tobacco / Alcohol

Minor drinking. Holmes wears multiple nicotine patches, but no longer smokes. References to Holmes's former use of heroin, keeping with the original character's drug addiction.