Grey's Anatomy

 Review

Common Sense Media says

Medical soap is gripping -- and occasionally graphic.
greenON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
yellowPAUSE: Know your child; some content
may not be right for some kids.
redOFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
not for kidsNOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age.

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Quality
 
Sometimes media can be age appropriate but a real waste of time. Our star rating assesses the media's overall quality.

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Parents say

Kids say

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this addictive primetime drama is meant for an adult audience and has many adult themes, including sexual relationships among most of the show's characters, in addition to copious blood and occasionally graphic surgeries. There's some mild language, too, and characters often turn to alcohol to relieve occupational stress. For adults who like medical soap operas, it's an excellent choice; just make sure the kids are asleep first.

  • The show portrays doctoring as a tough business that brings up difficult ethical dilemmas, and the takeaways are rarely black and white. That said, the doctors often act heroically to save lives. Many storylines also promote awareness of conditions like Alzheimer's, etc.
  • Most characters are intelligent, ambitious and dedicated to their jobs, and there's good diversity among the cast. They make mistakes, but they're also aware that -- when they do -- the stakes are higher than they are for most people. Negative actions (such as cheating on partners, having a drinking problem, etc.) usually bring about negative consequences, but not always right away.
  • Scenes aren't always graphic, but are occasionally gory and can involve surgeries, blood, critical injuries, and even death. Some episodes deal with shootings, explosions and other violent incidents.
  • The show puts a lot of emphasis on the characters' personal relationships, most of which are sexual in nature. There's plenty of bed-hopping between co-workers, including some same-sex pairings. While the characters kiss, embrace, and have implied sex, no sensitive body parts are shown.
  • Some language of the "ass" and "damn" variety.
  • Not applicable.
  • Characters meet regularly at a local bar to de-stress after work. One character uses alcohol to the point that it negatively impacts his career, and he's temporarily suspended. But he eventually goes through rehab and makes positive changes.

What's the story?

GREY'S ANATOMY is a hospital-set dramedy that follows the lives of five interns (who, over the course of the series, become full-fledged doctors) as they adjust to their new surroundings at Seattle Grace Hospital. The series' opening scene takes place during the awkward morning after a one-night stand between the show's namesake, Meredith Grey (Ellen Pompeo), and neurosurgeon Dr. Derek "McDreamy" Shepherd (Patrick Dempsey) -- who, as it turns out, also works at the hospital. From there, the story evolves to include other interns, tenured doctors and the various patients they treat.


Is it any good?

 

The Grey's Anatomy writers have proven that they're not above ridiculous plotlines involving ghost sex, a patient who wants butt implants, or a crazy man walking around with a bomb inside his body. But aside from the soapy, sexual overtones, what has so many people hooked on Grey's is the complexity of its characters. So while Meredith is beautiful and smart, she's also remarkably flawed -- and as the series goes on, her story only deepens.

 

The same can be said for other ensemble members: For example, while Cristina (Sandra Oh) provides most of the comic relief through cunning wit and side-splitting dialogue, she, too, goes through life-altering moments. Over time, these are characters you become attached to -- and grow to love.


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What families can talk about

  • Families can talk about relationships that take place in the workplace (or in high school or college classes). Are these types of relationships a good idea? What are the negative consequences of getting romantically involved with someone you work closely with?

  • How accurately does the show portray the medical profession? Do you think the bed-hopping and personal problems are overblown for the sake of ratings, or is it rooted in reality?

  • How does this medical soap compare to others like it on the air, or even those that have come before it, such as ER?


This review was written by Kari Croop
Adult
December 9, 2008
 
Amazing; Inappropriate
Personally, I love this show. Yes, it is inappropriate but honestly your kids know more than you think. Times have changed and the society around us has grown more inappropriate. If your kids go to dances, they probably dance rather sexually with boys. Don't get angry! It is not very sexual nor inappropriate. The most popular dance is known as grinding. But let me tell you they don't do the real thing, not even close. The grinding they do is not too sexual. But don't cut your child off from this show because it is too inappropriate. If they deny it, chances are they have seen worse and already know about worse. Besides this show is too good to miss! :]

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Teen, 18 years old
November 16, 2008
 
Luv it!
I love this show. The cast is fantastic and the plot too.

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Teen, 16 years old
November 14, 2008
 
I love this show so much
Its getting a little boring in the fifth season, but the addition of some new characters has held my interest.

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Adult
April 15, 2011
 

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Teen, 15 years old
March 7, 2010
 
i love it so much but my mom told me not to watch it bec theres a lot of sex but i think the sex is apporiate for my age im 13 now well going so yeah and the sex is no that intense like doing extreme stuff unlike nip/tuck,american pie .... they dont show private bodies and i started watching this for like when i was 8. also many ppl say its apporiate for my age and i should convience my mom that its ok for my age....

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Teen, 15 years old
February 27, 2010
 

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Teen, 14 years old
May 6, 2011
 
BST DNM DRAMA SERIES EVER IN THE WHOLE WORD - A MUST WATCH
THIS IS THE BEST FREAKING DRAMA SERIES IN THE WHOLE WORLD!!!!!!!!!!!!!! i started watching this show when i was in 3rd grade and feel in love withthe characters and the mesages they had to learn. it toches my heart because i can relate to almost all the doctors in one way or another and sometimes even the patients. My favorite episode of all time is INTO YOU LIKE A TRAIN- Season 2. And remember what i always say there is a certain mauturity level needed to handle all this heavy stuff. Not just the drinking and the sex- but the lessons learned. They are sometimes sad and hard to accept or realize. This show never fails to touch my heart.

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Kid, 12 years old
January 13, 2011
 
AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Love it!!!! Christina is my fae character.

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Teen, 15 years old
December 22, 2008
 
I ? this show!
I am 11 and I don't think its that horribly innapropriate, but of course most kids whose parents actually go on this site wouldn't let them watch it, but I love it. I think it's a good show that both me and my mom can enjoy together.

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Adult
August 29, 2009
 
Love it! Give it a go.
I love this show! I'm hooked. Although many parents seem to have concerns about the sexual content, drinking or drug references and some coarse language, personally I don't think it's inappropriate. There is very little coarse language, the sexual references would fly over your head if you didn't understand, and drinking does not play a major role in the show. I've learnt a lot from this show, as they talk about medical conditions, and then I search them up or talk to someone who is in the medical field.

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This review was written by Kari Croop
TV rating:TV-14
Network:ABC
Cast:Ellen Pompeo, Patrick Dempsey, Sandra Oh
Genre:Drama

This review was written by Kari Croop
 

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About our rating system
ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids.
OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
Learning ratings
BEST: Really engaging, great learning approach.
GOOD: Pretty engaging, good learning approach.
FAIR: Somewhat engaging, OK learning approach.
NOT FOR LEARNING: Not recommended for learning.

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