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Raising the Bar

(Rated TV-14, Drama, Starring Jane Kaczmarek, Mark Paul Gosselaar, Gloria Reuben, Where to watch: TNT, DVD)

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 15, age appropriate for kids over 18; suggested age 15.

  • Is it any good?

    3.0

  • Common Sense says

    Legal drama for grown-ups has more soap than grit.

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 15–18

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    The series highlights the problems that exist in the legal system, but a lot of the focus is on the personal and often inappropriate relationships between the different people involved in that system. The cast is primarily Caucasian; Whitman and McGrath are African-American. The majority of defendants are people of color.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence:

    Frequent discussions of criminally violent behavior, like assault and murder, as well as criminal sexual behavior, like rape and castration.

  • Sex:

    Some strong sexual innuendo, including references to homosexuality and homophobia. One prosecutor consistently makes inappropriate sexual remarks. Female characters are sometimes seen wearing nothing but towels.

  • Language:

    Language includes words like "bitch," "screw," and "douche bag."

  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Visible consumption of alcohol, including whiskey, vodka, and other hard liquor. Some strong references to drug (marijuana) use.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Raising the Bar

Parents need to know that this soapy, adult-targeted legal drama -- which focuses on the professional and personal lives of a group of public defenders, prosecutors, and other players in the New York City legal system -- includes a notable amount of sexual innuendo. Viewers can also expect strong language ("bitch," "douche bag," etc.), discussions about violent behavior (assault, rape, murder, etc.), frequent drinking, and references to illegal drug use.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about whether shows like this one offer an accurate picture of what the legal system is really like. Are court cases really this dramatic? Families can also discuss the roles of judges, public defenders, and prosecutors. How do lawyers defend alleged criminals, even if they think they're guilty? How do attorneys work with judges? Can people who work for opposing sides of law really be as "social" as they're depicted here?
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