Parents need to know that this hit '90s show started out as an adult-oriented comedy but was toned down to be more family friendly after its first season. There's some mild sexual innuendo, as well as frequent references to things like fist fights and "drive bys" that are intended to be more funny than violent and will most likely go over the head of young viewers. Overall, the show highlights the importance of family and friendship.
Positive messages:The show highlights the importance of friends and family. But Vanessa is a little "ditzy," and Mark is crazy about the ladies. Dating is a major theme of the show. The cast is African-American.
Violence:References to fist fighting, drive-by shootings, and other aggressive behavior -- but these comments are intended to be funny rather than upsetting or violent.
Sex:Some mild sexual innuendo that will go over the head of young viewers. Discussions about dates are frequent; Vanessa is known for her endless pursuit of men, and Mark likes to flirt with women. There's some romantic tension between the two.
Language:Mild; occasionally words like "dang" are used.
Consumerism:Occasional references to popular people/characters of the time, like Barney.