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ER

(Rated TV-14, Drama, Starring Mekhi Phifer, Maura Tierney, Goran Visnjic, Where to watch: NBC, DVD, Online)

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 15, age appropriate for kids over 99; suggested age 15.

  • Is it any good?

    4.0

  • Common Sense says

    Excellent, but the ER is no place for children.

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 15–18

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    Doctors are often heroic but have been seen with multiple sex partners. Teen pregnancy, abortion, rape, incest, racism, sexism, mental illness, psychological issues, and domestic violence have all been part of episodes.

  • Violence:

    Graphic and bloody injuries. Patients are often outraged, psych patients throw temper tantrums, drug fits, doctors have been held at gunpoint and murdered in the ER.

  • Sex:

    Occasionally doctors hook up or we see "the morning after."

  • Language:

    Rarely, four-letter words are used -- often toward doctors from angry patients. Also words like "tits," "hell," "bitch," "a--hole," etc.

  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Drugs and alcohol addictions with doctors and patients; smoking.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About ER

Parents need to know that this show is not for young audiences. It's an intense medical drama with graphic situations (lots of blood and surgeries) and mature storylines. Death, disease, and physical injuries are a part of each episode. Rape, neglect, physical abuse, spousal abuse, teen pregnancy, abortion, and incest have all been plots involving young kids and teens. Some patients have serious psychological ailments. The sexual relationships between doctors are often at the center of the drama. Parents will want to watch with their teens and be prepared for a follow-up conversation. Parents also should know that the program repeats on TNT during the late morning hours, so be aware that kids who are home from school may be tuning in. If you allow your teen to watch, make sure s/he is comfortable seeing gross visuals of blood and surgeries.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about whether or not they think the situations presented on the show are realistic. How do the doctors cope with their highly stressful jobs, make tough decisions, and deal with life-and-death situations?
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Our Members Say

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  • What did you think about ER?

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See all 6 member reviews

Most Recent Reviews

  1. Teen Reviewer Age 13
    Punkchic
    Lives in Texas
    I rate this title iffy for age 16 and give it 1.0

    UMMM..

    Well when my parents watched this along time ago(probably when i was like 4) I accidentally walked in once. NOT REALLY A KIDS SHOW!! NOT FOR DA YOUNG ONES! Lots of... bloooood...

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
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  2. Teen Reviewer Age 14
    allyssa11
    Lives in Michigan
    I rate this title on for age 13 and give it 5.0

    I love this show so much

    OMG I'm 13 and I love love love this show but if you dont like blood and guts dont watch is.

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
    Flag as inappropriate
  3. Adult Reviewer
    noelrocks
    Lives in Nebraska
    I rate this title on for age 17 and give it 5.0

    ER ROCKS ON NBC!!!!

    ER IS A GREAT TV SHOW! I LOVE IT! NOW THAT JOHN STAMOS IS IN IT! I LIKE JOE! HE'S SUCH A CUTE BABY BOY! DO YOU?

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
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  4. Adult Reviewer
    hotdogchick
    Lives in Nebraska
    I rate this title on for age 13 and give it 5.0

    John Stamos Rocks!!!!

    John Stamos plays Tony; really really good! I want to see more! Don't go off the air; ER!

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
    Flag as inappropriate
  5. Teen Reviewer Age 16
    Grant
    Lives in South Carolina
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 5.0

    I LOVE THIS SHOW

    I LOVE THIS SHOW

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
    Flag as inappropriate

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