Six Feet Under - TV-MA

Exceptional drama series for mature viewers only.

TV Rating: TV-MA Network: Bravo, HBO Cast: Peter Krause, Michael C. Hall, Frances Conroy Genre: Drama
Available on: DVDDownload

Common Sense Note

Parents need to know that this well-executed drama deals with mature subjects like sex, intimacy, abortion, death, drugs, and violence. Each episode begins with a death, sometimes violently depicted, and later we often see the corpse being prepared for the funeral. Both adult and older teen characters have sex in and out of healthy and/or committed relationships, and though we don't see genitals, scenes are sometimes explicit. Drug use is common and only sometimes portrayed negatively.

Families who choose to watch can discuss death and funerals. What would teens like to be remembered for? How would they like their life celebrated? What are parents' beliefs about the afterlife, cremation, open caskets? Also, what makes the characters on the show so rich? What are their traits and flaws? How do the characters change and grow through the seasons, and why is it sometimes hard to break out of established patterns? How do the deaths that begin each episode relate to the main characters' experiences during the show?

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Common Sense Review

Reviewed By: Sierra Filucci

In this richly drawn, darkly funny drama, the Fisher family runs a Pasadena funeral home while the individual members struggle with their own existential and practical crises. Created by Alan Ball, who won an Oscar for writing American Beauty, the show (which ran for five seasons on HBO) features a stellar group of actors, writers, and directors. Out of this talent pool emerges a series dearly loved by its fans for the depth of its characters, its complex plots, and its impeccable writing.

In the pilot episode, family patriarch Nathaniel Fisher (Richard Jenkins) dies in a violent car accident, initiating the show's recurring opening device; each episode begins with a death. The Fisher family gathers for the funeral, and we meet each member: Nate (Peter Krause), the oldest son who's been living in Seattle and working at a natural food co-op; David (Michael C. Hall), the dutiful son who's now in charge of the family business and in the closet about his sexuality; Claire (Lauren Ambrose), the artistic, tortured teenage daughter; and Ruth (Frances Conroy), the traditional mother figure with untapped passions.

Against the backdrop of death, the Fishers explode with the complexities of life. Relationships blossom and stutter. Identities are examined, embraced, and discarded. Emotions peak and flatten. And all the while this imperfect family supports its members through loss, confusion, and the search for meaning. Nate becomes engaged to Brenda (Rachel Griffiths), a psychologically troubled but intellectually astute massage therapist. David comes out and struggles to keep his relationship with Keith (Matthew St. Patrick), a tough-but-loving police officer, from breaking apart. Claire gets through high school, goes to art school, and dates a handful of complex characters. And Ruth attends personal growth workshops and breaks out of her shell enough to find intimacy again.

Though Six Feet Under is of exceptionally high quality, its mature themes make it inappropriate for younger viewers. Older teens may enjoy the series, though parents may want to preview episodes before deciding if they feel comfortable with the content. What's refreshing about the adult elements -- sex, drug use, etc. -- is the lack of the glamour and gloss that accompany these subjects in so many other TV shows and films. It all seems very real and very human, for better or worse.

Fans of Six Feet Under might also like The Sopranos and Huff.

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Content		CS	adults	kids
Content
Sexual Content Graphic sexual content, both straight and gay; nudity, though no genitalia. Non-mainstream sexual practices discussed and exhibited.
Violence Occasional violence including blood, but usually brief and outside the main storyline (generally in the context of the deaths that open each episode). Rare intense, very scary violence.
Language Swearing (including "f--k" and "s--t") occurs regularly, though not gratuitously.
Message
	Social Behavior Overall the characters are good, flawed people. Realistic gay and biracial relationship. Strong female characters. The complex, dysfunctional relationships among the characters have led to adultery.
	Commercialism Common household brands are sometimes, though rarely, visible.
	Drug/Alcohol/Tobacco Some alcohol and tobacco use by main characters. Main characters use drugs fairly frequently for recreational purposes. Negative repercussions sometimes occur. Some characters are heavily medicated.