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John from Cincinnati

(Rated TV-MA, Drama, Starring Bruce Greenwood, Austin Nichols, Rebecca DeMornay, Where to watch: HBO, DVD)

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 16, age appropriate for kids over 99; suggested age 16.

  • Is it any good?

    3.0

  • Common Sense says

    Mystical HBO surfing drama is awash in profanity.

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 16–18

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    Characters are a mixed bag, from angry, drug-addicted bad influences to an angelic, peaceful man-child. In general, people are more dysfunctional than they are evil.

  • Violence:

    Lots of angry verbal encounters, some fistfights, references to sexual abuse. In one scene, a man puts a gun into his mouth to kill himself, though he doesn't follow through.

  • Sex:

    Mention of sex and euphemistic references to masturbation. At least one post-coital scene with a married couple in bed together, presumably naked.

  • Language:

    Nonstop uncensored, extreme profanity. "F--k" is almost every other word in some scenes and is frequently joined by "s--t" and "ass." Some derogatory terms are also used (like "fruit" to refer to gay man).

  • Consumerism:

    Occasional product placement for Blackberry and other brands like Aramark.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    One character is a heroin addict, and characters discuss his addiction frequently. Some drug paraphernalia appears, though no scenes of shooting up. Talk of smoking pot and drinking.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About John from Cincinnati

Parents need to know that this pay-cable drama from the creator of Deadwood is filled with an almost-nonstop stream of profanity (particularly "f--k"). One main character is a mean, unapologetic junkie, and some scenes include brief glimpses of his drug paraphernalia, as well as lots of talk about getting high. Other scenes include open talk of sex and some post-coital moments, as well as euphemistic references to masturbation. In one scene, a gay character tearfully (if vaguely) recalls an incident of sexual abuse and a subsequent suicidal gesture. This character is later referred to as a "fruit" by another main character. There's some violence, but nothing on the level of other HBO dramas like The Sopranos.

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Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about this show as an "HBO series." What does it have in common with shows like The Sopranos and Deadwood? How is it different? Do you think a show like this -- in any form -- could succeed on network TV or basic cable? Why or why not? Families can also discuss John. Who do you think he is? What's his purpose in the show and to the Yost family? Can you think of other shows or films with characters similar to John?
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Most Recent Reviews

  1. Adult Reviewer
    mkleess
    Lives in Colorado
    I rate this title off for age 17 and give it 0.0

    What was HBO thinking?

    This is possibly one of the worst shows I have ever seen on TV. And it was on HBO...I would have expected more. It always makes me wonder about writers who put the "F" word into almost every sentence. Terrible acting; terrible plot. ICK!

    This review...

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

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