Common Sense Note

Parents need to know that this legal drama has strong adult themes, including drugs, violence, sexual harassment, and murder -- both related to the cases that the lawyers deal with and in their own lives. The main characters are all adults, and most of them talk about or get involved in sexual relationships at some point during the show's run. Between the mature storylines and the sometimes-complex legal technicalities that the series deals with, this one isn't for kids.

Sexual Content

Dialogue contains sexual innuendo (which may go over the head of young viewers). Some making out, but no simulated sex acts. Plenty of graphic descriptions of sex-related crimes.

Violence

Frequent discussion of violent acts (including some sexually based crimes, like sexual harrassment), as they relate to clients and court cases. Some fights, with people punching and kicking others to the point of injury. Murders, some by gunshot, have taken place. In addition to dealing with violent acts as part of their job, the main characters are sometimes directly involved with/the targets of violence (as in an ongoing serial killer-stalker plot).

Language

Relatively mild: "damn," "hell," "bitch," etc.

Social Behavior

The series focuses on the pursuit of legal justice and shows strong professional loyalty and commitment to both clients and to the firm's partners. Highlights the strengths and weaknesses of the legal profession. But lawyers are sometimes seen engaging in unethical behavior, and the show contains frequent sexist references by some of the characters. One of the main characters is African-American while another is a single mother. Artificial insemination is a prominent theme.

Consumerism

Not applicable

Drugs / Tobacco / Alcohol

Occasional adult consumption of alcohol, including beer, wine, and hard liquor. The adult use of marijuana is discussed and occasionally visible. Contains discussion of illegal drugs (related to clients/cases).