Common Sense Note

Parents need to know that this gritty cop show is dark, violent, and very realistic. Unlike some police series, which manufacture drama with over-the-top crimes and romantic intrigue between the main characters, this series focuses on "regular" crimes and the honest anguish of the victims and their loved ones, as well as the officers' often troubled home lives. The violent scenes, while not generally bloody, have real consequences. There's also plenty of swearing (not always bleeped) and a good bit of drinking, as well as some raunchy talk (but no sensitive body parts are shown).

Sexual Content

Plenty of raunchy, sex-themed talk and some flirting. Couples embrace and kiss, but there's no graphic sex or nudity.

Violence

Several critical scenes include violence. It's not especially gory, but it looks quite realistic; when people get hit in the head, they fall down, and when they get shot, they die. That's how it goes in real life, though not in most action shows.

Language

The hardened cops talk just the way they might in real life, with a good bit of swearing -- though most of the choice words are bleeped. Still, plenty of expletives remain, including "a--hole," "crap," "p---y," and "circle jerk," as well as some off-color references to body parts, especially female genitalia.

Social Behavior

The show very intentionally offers a realistic, gritty look at crime and urban life. Its take-aways consequently aren't particularly upbeat or positive, but at least they're not artificial, either. Emphasizes teamwork and partnership.

Consumerism

Not applicable

Drugs / Tobacco / Alcohol

Plenty of drinking -- in bars, at parties, and at home. The cops often speculate about drugs as a motivating factor in crimes.