ER (NBC)

ER is an Emmy-winning medical drama series based in the emergency room of a busy Chicago hospital. Created by Michael Crichton (Jurassic Park) and John Wells (The West Wing, Third Watch), the series centers on the medical professionals in the hospital. ER has turned out stars such as George Clooney, Julianna Margulies, and Noah Wyle; guest stars have included Sally Field, who received an Emmy for her role.

ER is an excellent medical drama that has remained popular for good reason, but it's not appropriate for kids. With its emotionally wrenching scenes, images of graphic and bloody injuries, focus on death and disease, and heavy plots that range from domestic violence to abortion, the show is just too intense for tweens and many younger teens.

In addition to all the death and tragedy, episodes often focus on the ER doctors' personal lives, which involve affairs, love triangles, addiction, terminal illness, and more. In fact, the doctors have nearly as many problems as their patients. For example, Dr. Green (Anthony Edwards) dealt with a brain tumor, remission, a new baby, a new marriage, and a return of his illness in a matter of two seasons. Still, the show's impeccable writing and memorable characters made it a mainstay on NBC for a decade.