Parents need to know that, like its U.S. counterparts, this British entry in the Ink TV franchise is pro-body art, minimizing the potential downside (no real blood is shown during the inking process, and tattoo-related risks aren't discussed). Some episodes deal with mature subject matter, including one tattoo artist's anger-management issues. Strong swear words ("f--k", "bulls--t") are bleeped out and the speaker's mouth blurred, but the cast members are sometimes heard cursing under their breath. There's also some fairly strong sexual innuendo, and both men and women receive and show off tattoos that are on their buttocks and inner thighs -- which results in them being pretty scantily clad at times. Overall, the tone is edgier here than in the show's American "cousins."
Positive messages:The series looks at how tattooing is both creative and entrepreneurial. The cast occasionally participates in childish pranks (like using fart sound effects and putting out fake dog poop). Some of the episodes deal with the artists' personal struggles and successes. Nicole is the only female artist on staff. The cast is Caucasian, but the clients are from various ethnic/racial backgrounds.
Violence:Dan has anger-management problems and is shown getting angry and kicking boxes. But he seeks counseling to handle it.
Sex:Strong sexual innuendo. Clients (and potential apprentices) are seen pulling up their skirts and pulling down their pants (their underwear stays on) to show off tattoos. One client wears a very skimpy thong as she's being inked on her buttocks.
Language:Language includes "damn" and "hell." Words like "bulls--t" and "f--k" are mostly bleeped out, but sometimes curse words are faintly audible under a tattoo artist's breath.