Tools for this page
Print

Six Degrees

  • 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 18; suggested age 15.

  • Is it any good?

    4.0
  • Common Sense says

    Intriguing ensemble drama for teens and up.

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 15–18

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    The characters are complex people with some big issues that they're struggling with. A couple teeters on the brink when one's caught posting on a dating Web site, a character struggles with substance abuse (which has led to problems in his relationship with his son), another gets caught up in criminal dealings thanks to a gambling problem. One woman's shady past briefly puts a child in danger.
  • Violence:

    Mostly fistfights and verbal warfare, but a few more violent scenes (including a gunfight that causes a fatality). One character seems to be caught up in something sinister with the potential for violence.
  • Sex:

    The show's focus is relationships between people, including sexual ones. Some episodes are sexier than others, but scenes have included naked torsos (women's shown from behind), passionate clinches, characters shown in underwear, and characters lounging in bed (implying that they just had sex). Some characters cheat; casual sex isn't uncommon.
  • Language:

    Mild: "Shut up," "hell," "damn," etc.
  • Consumerism:

    No labels, but there's a clear sense that some of the characters are haves and others are have-nots.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Some drinking and smoking, but nothing too excessive. One character is introduced while she's very drunk (or possibly high), which leads to getting arrested for public exposure; another is a recovering alcoholic, divorced dad.

What Parents Need to Know

This review of Six Degrees was written by S. Jhoanna Robledo

Parents need to know that this mature drama about the lives of six interconnected New Yorkers may appear fairly benign at first, but some storylines reveal darker undertones. The characters are complicated adults dealing with some tricky issues. One character cheats on his fiancee, for example, while another gets a small taste of life in the criminal underworld when his gambling spirals out of control. Each character has his or her own demons to battle, from substance abuse to coping with grief.

Families Can Talk About

Talk to your kids about the media in their life. We have more tools and tips that can help
  • Families can talk about chance encounters and fate in general. Do people meet by design or by accident? Is there such a thing as fate, or is life just a series of happy (or unhappy) accidents? Can teens think of any "random" coincidences or connections in their own lives that mirror the ones on the show?
Did this review help you decide?

Will your kids tune in?

Have you seen it? Review It!

More on Six Degrees

What’s the Story?

The serial drama SIX DEGREES (which is executive produced by Lost mastermind J.J. Abrams) focuses on six strangers who cross paths in an intoxicatingly hectic city. Jay Hernandez is Carlos, a public defender with a romantic heart who's immediately taken with Mae (Erika Christensen), a mysterious young woman who may be in a lot of trouble. In the meantime, PR exec Whitney (Bridget Moynihan) struggles over whether or not her soon-to-be husband is cheating on her, while her new friend, a widow named Laura (Hope Davis), tries to re-start her life. Rounding out the core cast are gambling addict/chauffeur Damian (Dorian Missick) and troubled photographer Steven (Campbell Scott), who hasn't taken a good picture in ages.

Is It Any Good?

With New York as its backdrop, Six Degrees has a perfect set-up for a study of intimacy. The show closely examines the ties that bind and follows the characters as they attempt to put their fragmented lives back together; the result is a distinctly likeable, affable series that could hook fans simply on the strength of its stellar casting. That said, it's difficult to imagine how well the original conceit -- everyone's connected to one another -- will play out over the long term. Also, even in the era of serialized dramas, six lead characters may be a few too many for some viewers to keep track of.

Either way, Six Degrees isn't really for kids. While the show leans more toward Abrams' dramatic side (Felicity, What About Brian) than toward his thrillers (Lost, Alias), its themes and plotlines cover decidedly mature topics -- gambling and substance abuse, cheating, crime, coping with grief, and more.

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

Our Members Say

Have you seen it? Review It!

What did you think about Six Degrees?

or

to post a review

Most Recent Reviews

    More Great Stuff for Your Kids

    • Most Popular This Week

      foursquare

      foursquare

      Is this social network too risky for your child?

    • Advice for Parents

      Tips for a Healthy Media Diet

      Tips for a Healthy Media Diet

      New gadget gifts? Get help setting limits.

    • Must-See TV

      Parenthood

      Parenthood

      Quality drama charts the pros, cons of family togetherness.

    • Member Buzz

      Sending Mom a TXT

      Sending Mom a TXT

      Is it easier for parents to communicate with their kids via text?

    • Download This

      Pickin' & Grinnin': Great Folk Songs for Kids

      Pickin' & Grinnin': Great Folk Songs for Kids

      Fantastic folk favorites perfect for family road trips.

    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
    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

    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
    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