Parents need to know that this classic TV drama about artistic teens growing up in New York City in the 1980s is generally clean when it comes to language and sexual content -- and it's much tamer than the R-rated 1980 movie it was based on. Storylines occasionally include secondary characters who have serious problems with drugs, alcohol, or violent crime or involve heavy themes like prostitution and debilitating disease. But the primary role models -- and messages -- are overwhelmingly positive.
Positive messages:The series is purposefully positive and regularly includes specific take-away lessons for teen viewers on topics like drinking, sex, etc.
Positive role models:The main characters are diverse, work hard, and generally overcome obstacles and adversity by making the "right" decisions. Although they're probaby less relatable now than they were in the '80s, their problems were meant to echo those of real-life teens.
Violence:Rare verbal sparring between major characters, including students and teachers. Secondary characters who make one-time appearances occasionally lead violent lives.
Sex:It's rare for a storyline to involve sex, but it happens from time to time. In one episode, for example, a student meets a teen prostitute while preparing for a drama project and befriends her.
Language:Some mild insults like "jerk," "dumb," and "stupid." Rare uses of gateway phrases like "damn it."
Drinking, drugs, & smoking:On rare occasions, a secondary character has a drinking or drug problem. In one episode, for example, a student's brother shows up drunk.
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