Parents need to know that this sentimental drama deals with mature topics like extramarital sex, unknown parentage, drug and alcohol use, and career and family insecurities, making it somewhat iffy (and, frankly, probably unappealing) for younger viewers. Some scenes are set in a bar, where lots of drinking -- and at least one drunken fistfight -- takes place. Another scene shows 18-year-olds who have just had sex and includes some sexual discussion. Jokes about weight, intelligence, small towns, and more pepper the dialogue in a generally clever, ironic tone, but some viewers may be offended.

Families can talk about how accurately TV reflects reality, in this case and in general. Are dramas based on this kind of premise believable? How about the dialogue? Do you know people who talk like the characters on this show? Do any TV shows use truly realistic dialogue? Which ones? Families can also talk about hometowns. Do parents still live in the same area where they were raised? Why? Will younger viewers stay put after school, or move somewhere else? Why? What's it like to return to a place that you've been away from for a long time?