Tools for this page
Print

The Practice

(Rated TV-14, Drama, Starring Dylan McDermott, Steve Harris, Camryn Manheim, Where to watch: FX, Syndicated, DVD)

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

    (Flash is loading. If this text does not disappear you need to install the latest flash version)

    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

    Drama with a passion for justice; teens and up.

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 15–18

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    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.

  • 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).

  • Sex:

    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.

  • Language:

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

  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    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).
 

What Parents Need to Know

About The Practice

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.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about the realities of the legal profession. What do lawyers have to know in order to represent their clients in the best possible way? Is justice always served in the courtroom? Why does it take such a long time for a case to be tried? Why is the law so complex? How do loopholes and other technicalities affect the legal system? Families can also discuss professional behavior in the workplace. What kind of relationships are appropriate with co-workers?
Tools and tips that can help

Want more? Get Common Sense recommendations delivered to your inbox.

Our Members Say

Have you seen it? Review It!

  • What did you think about The Practice?

  •  I think this show is

    for ages

  •  I also give it

  •  Any concerns?

  •  Any highlights?

  •  Love it? Hate it?

  • or to post a review

More Great Stuff For Your Kids

  • Now Playing

    Age 9+
    Where the Wild Things Are

    Where the Wild Things Are

    Sometimes-dark adaptation focuses on friendship, loneliness.

  • Tech Tip

    Learn the basics with our latest video.How to Text

    Learn the basics with our latest video.

  • Book of the Week

    Age 10+
    Million-Dollar Throw

    Million-Dollar Throw

    Another Lupica sensitive dad/son sports story.

  • Pick of the Week

    Holiday Websites

    Holiday Websites

    Where to surf, turkey time and beyond.

  • Download This

    Age 3+
    "Wash Your Hands" (CD single)

    "Wash Your Hands" (CD single)

    "Acccchhhoooo!" A funny reminder to help kids fight the flu.

Give Us a Minute, Get a Lot of Common Sense!
  • Age-appropriate best bets for your kids
  • Weekly email alert with the latest picks, reviews & advice
  • Post your own reviews and share them with friends
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
A screen name protects your privacy
(It's free!)

Already a member? Log in
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.
To post a review or comment you must become a Common Sense Member. It's easy!
Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations.
A screen name protects your privacy
Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
(optional)
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child

Already a member? Log in
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.
We can make Common Sense just right for you. With a little info about you and your family, you'll get the most out of our site.
Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!
Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child
Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations
A screen name protects your privacy
Already a member? Log in
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.
Register to add this school to your profile. You'll be able to see and share reviews from parents, teachers, and kids at your child's school.
I'm already a Common Sense member.
Kids under 13 must use a screen name
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.