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True Blood

(Rated TV-MA, Drama, Starring Anna Paquin, Rutina Wesley, Stephen Moyer, Where to watch: HBO, DVD)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 17, age appropriate for kids over 18; suggested age 17.
  • Is it any good?

    3.0
  • Common Sense says

    Sexy, Southern-fried vampire drama for adults only.

Themes in this show include:   dating/crushes, revenge

Why We Rated This not for kids

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    The series is a fantasy, but it serves as a metaphor for the unfairness of judging a group or community based on the actions of a few. Of course, some of that gets overshadowed by the show's soapier elements, from betrayal and manipulation to sex and violence.
  • Role models:

    The characters are a complex, conflicted bunch. Few are truly "good"; more are clearly "evil," but even they have layers and complicated motives. The cast is primarily Caucasian; one character is openly gay.
  • Violence:

    Mortals and vampires are shown pushing, punching, kicking, and shoving each other (sometimes brutally). Knives, chains, and other items are sometimes used as weapons. The show's opening sequence contains brief images of the KKK, gutted animals, and children eating bloody organs. Some mortals are "drainers" (they kidnap and drain vampires' blood and sell it). Other mortals are mysteriously found dead. Vampires become more evil when they nest together.
  • Sex:

    Right from the opening sequence, there's plenty of nudity (breasts, buttocks) and a wide variety of simulated sex acts, including orgies. There are also images of women stripping and dancing suggestively, and prostitution is frequently discussed. Strong language is used to describe female genitalia. Vampire biting is considered an erotic act and is referred to as "fang banging." Vampire blood is sold on the black market as an alternative to Viagra.
  • Language:

    Language is strong and uncensored. Words include everything from "hell" to "s--t", "f--k," and more.
  • Consumerism:

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

    Lots of visible consumption of beer, hard liquor, and Tru Blood (synthetic blood created for vampires). Some discussion of drug trafficking and images of drug use. Tara's mother is a violent alcoholic.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About True Blood

Parents need to know that this pay-cable vampire series from the creator of Six Feet Under is, like that show, very much intended for adults. Viewers can expect plenty of nudity, simulated sex scenes, strong language (including "s--t" and "f--k"), drinking, and drug use, as well as references to prostitution. That said, the show also explores the human ability to embrace and understand those who are different.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about how vampires have been portrayed in the media over the years. Have those portrayals changed over time? If so, how?
  • What things do vampire-centric TV shows and movies tend to have in common? Why do you think so many vampire stories are intertwined with themes of sex and desire?
  • What messages does this show send about relationships and intimacy?

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Our Members Say

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  • What did you think about True Blood?
  •  I think this show is

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See all 20 member reviews

Most Recent Reviews

  1. Teen Reviewer Age 16
    Lives in Georgia
    I rate this title iffy for age 16 and give it 4.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence
    • Inappropriate sexual content
    • Drinking, smoking, or drug use
    • Negative message
    • Negative role models

    • My highlights are:
    • Positive messages
    • Good role models

    I'm 16 but I was given permission to watch Trueblood. The swearing, drugs, and alcohol is nothing worse than what any normal teen experiances at school, and there are just as many "bad guys". True Blood is edgy, and pushes the limits but thats why it is so lucrative to my age group. Older teens scorn Twilight in favor of a show that is a little more realistic. Teens who watch should know that it is graphic, and characters are not exactly role models, but it deals with complex issues and emotions and is amazingly entertaining.

  2. Teen Reviewer Age 16
    Lives in Georgia
    I rate this title iffy for age 16 and give it 4.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence
    • Inappropriate sexual content
    • Drinking, smoking, or drug use
    • Negative message
    • Negative role models

    • My highlights are:
    • Positive messages
    • Good role models

    I'm 16 but I was given permission to watch Trueblood. The swearing, drugs, and alcohol is nothing worse than what any normal teen experiances at school, and there are just as many "bad guys". True Blood is edgy, and pushes the limits but thats why it is so lucrative to my age group. Older teens scorn Twilight in favor of a show that is a little more realistic. Teens who watch should know that it is graphic, and characters are not exactly role models, but it deals with complex issues and emotions and is amazingly entertaining.

  3. I rate this title on for age 16 and give it 5.0

    I really enjoy it and wonder if I should let my 14 and a half year old daughter watch it. Let me tell you she is very mature and has heard swearing at school, violence doesn't bother her and knows about the birds and bees. She is reading the series and doesn't joke about it her dad is reading and discussing it with her. If you have an opinion on the subject e-mail me at kaitacatwhisperer@yahoo.com

  4. Parent Reviewer
    Lives in California
    I rate this title on for age 17 and give it 4.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence
    • Inappropriate sexual content
    • Inappropriate language
    • Drinking, smoking, or drug use
    • Negative message
    • Negative role models

    Adults only, not for the timid

    The first couple of episodes may not catch your attention, but after that the show is really fun, that is, if you aren't put off by the almost constant sex & nudity. There is a lot of imagination that went into this show, and although it has its campy moments, it is a fun escape for adults!

  5. I rate this title off for age 17 and give it 1.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence
    • Inappropriate sexual content
    • Inappropriate language
    • Negative message
    • Negative role models

    Absolutely hate the show. I bought the season one serious because I needed to fill my twilight void. This show is NOTHING like the wonderful romance books in the Twilight Saga. All the women in the show are portrayed as dumb, sex objects. The acting is terrible. The so-called souther drawl they have is nothing like lousiana--i ought to know, I'm from Louisiana. The vampires are just plain evil and satanic rapists. I was totally turned off by this show and I'm getting a refund!

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