Tools for this page
Print

Mental

(Rated TV-14, Drama, Starring Annabella Sciorra, Chris Vance, Jacqueline McKenzie, Where to watch: Fox, DVD, Online)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

    (Flash is loading. If this text does not disappear you need to install the latest flash version)

    Not age appropriate for kids under 14, age appropriate for kids over 17; suggested age 14.
  • Is it any good?

    3.0
  • Common Sense says

    Soapy but thoughtful drama looks at mysteries of the mind.

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 14–17

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    The series looks at mental illness from a compassionate and illuminating point of view, though Dr. Gallagher sometimes employs illegal tactics to help a patient. One doctor is cheating on her husband. Tthe characters are from various racial/ethnic backgrounds; one is gay.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence:

    Some patients get violent when they become delusional and yell, scream, and throw furniture at those trying to subdue them. Others imagine killing themselves or hurting others; bloody images of these dreams are often shown.
  • Sex:

    Some strong sexual innuendo, plus scenes of doctors kissing and fondling each other's bottoms, as well as delusional patients imagining that they're enjoying a sexual escapade. In one episode, Dr. Gallagher takes off his clothes to help calm a delusional patient (no nudity is shown).
  • Language:

    Audible language includes words like “hell," “damn,” and “piss off."
  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    References to drug and alcohol addiction throughout the show, but these discussions are usually offered in a medical context. There are also lots of discussions about drug "cocktails" for patients. The hospital staff is sometimes shown drinking at home (beer) or socially (wine, mixed drinks).
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Mental

Parents need to know that this medical drama explores a wide variety of mental illness. Its approach is nonjudgmental and informative, but some of the subject matter -- and the effects used to highlight patients' delusions -- may upset some viewers. The main character sometimes uses far-fetched and/or illegal tactics to help patients; characters are also involved in soap opera-esque storylines involving romance, friendship, and infidelity. There are discussions related to alcohol and drug abuse, but most actual drinking is done by adults in a limited social context. Expect some salty language of the "hell" and "damn" variety.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about how the media depicts the mentally ill. Why are people with mental illnesses often shown on TV shows or in movies as being funny or violent? Do shows like this one contradict these stereotypes or reinforce them? Families can also discuss how societies have looked at mental illness over the centuries. Did you know that in some cultures, people who suffered from illness-related delusions were often seen as god-like creatures, while other cultures burned people with mental illnesses as witches? How does historic context impact the way we think about the mentally ill today?

Want more? Get Common Sense recommendations delivered to your inbox.

Our Members Say

Have you seen it? Review It!

  • What did you think about Mental?
  •  I think this show is

    for ages

  •  I also give it

  •  Any concerns?

  •  Any highlights?

  •  Love it? Hate it?

  • or to post a review

Most Recent Reviews

  1. Parent Reviewer
    Lives in New York
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 1.0

    piss

  2. Parent Reviewer
    Lives in Kentucky
    I rate this title iffy for age 17 and give it 1.0

    i hated this show

    i think kids should not watch this and adults shouldnt either my kids are no longer alowed to watch this

More Great Stuff For Your Kids

  • Most Popular This Week

    New Moon Is Rising

    New Moon Is Rising

    Fans are gearing up for the 11/20 release.

  • Tech Tip

    Learn the basics with our latest video.How to Text

    Learn the basics with our latest video.

  • Must See TV

    Fanboy and Chum Chum

    Fanboy and Chum Chum

    Zany adventures are low on depth but high on imagination.

  • Pick of the Week

    Holiday Websites

    Holiday Websites

    Where to surf, turkey time and beyond.

  • Download This

    The Twilight Saga: New Moon Soundtrack

    The Twilight Saga: New Moon Soundtrack

    Dark, cool tunes OK for kids too young for the movie.

Give Us a Minute, Get a Lot of Common Sense!
  • Age-appropriate best bets for your kids
  • Weekly email alert with the latest picks, reviews & advice
  • Post your own reviews and share them with friends

This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
A screen name protects your privacy
To post a review or comment you must become a Common Sense Member. It's easy!

Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.

Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations.
A screen name protects your privacy

Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
(optional)
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child

We can make Common Sense just right for you. With a little info about you and your family, you'll get the most out of our site.

Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.

Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!
Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child

Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations
A screen name protects your privacy
Register to add this school to your profile. You'll be able to see and share reviews from parents, teachers, and kids at your child's school.
I'm already a Common Sense member.
Kids under 13 must use a screen name