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True Blood (HBO)

common sense media says

Sexy, Southern-fried vampire drama for adults only.

parents & educators say
  • 68% say sexual content is an issue
  • 58% say language is an issue
See all 72 reviews | Review it

What parents need to know

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.

Positive 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.
Positive 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.
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 applicable.
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.
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

More on True Blood

What to talk about

Talk to your kids

  • 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?

What's the story?

What's the story?

TRUE BLOOD takes place in a world where vampires have "come out of the coffin" and live openly among mortals. Anna Paquin stars as Sookie Stackhouse, a young Louisiana waitress known as the town's eccentric thanks to her telepathic abilities. She becomes even more of an outcast when she finds herself attracted to vampire Bill Compton (Stephen Moyer), who's decided to mainstream into the town's human community. As the townsfolk face their prejudices, Sookie's womanizing brother Jason (Ryan Kwanten) finds himself mysteriously connecting with aspects of the vampire culture while striking up an illicit business relationship with colorful Lafayette Reynolds (Nelson Ellis). Meanwhile, Sookie's best friend Tara Thornton (Rutina Wesley) and bar owner Sam Merlotte (Sam Tramell) have their own personal issues to deal with. And then there are the pesky non-conforming vampires who fuel the town's anti-bloodsucker sentiments. ...

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 

True Blood -- which is based on author Charlaine Harris' Southern Vampire Mysteries series and produced by Six Feet Under creator Alan Ball -- is a creative dramedy bolstered by both an unusual premise and strong, well-developed, colorful characters who add a touch of humor. That said, the show also uses vampires' mythic and rather violent sexual appetites as a way to explore human eroticism at various levels. So there are plenty of explicit conversations, over-the-top sex scenes, and obvious sadomasochist references.

Obviously, then, this show is meant for adults. And mature viewers will find that True Blood is definitely entertaining. It effectively weaves "everyday" topics like romance and family dysfunction into a mystical fabric that results in some interesting and sometimes thought-provoking narratives. It also serves as a platform from which stereotypes and bigotry can be examined in an honest, open way.

TV themes & details

TV Details
TV Rating: TV-MA
Network: HBO
Cast: Anna Paquin, Rutina Wesley, Stephen Moyer
Genre: Drama
Where to watch: HBO
This review was written by Melissa Camacho
 
 

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What parents & educators say

15
Based on 31 parent & educator reviews:
  • 68% say sexual content is an issue
  • 58% say language is an issue
  • 52% say violence is an issue
  • 42% say there's too much drinking, drugs, or smoking
Read the reviews

Most useful reviews by all members

BeSmart
teen, 15 years old
13
 
Perfect for 13+ Best.Show.Ever
NO.This show isnt only for adults teens can watch it to I mean be 13 you should be able to handule nudity,drug,curseing(i mean its not like you havent heard the words before).And by that age if u cant handle it you really need to grow up.This is the best.show.ever u definatly dont want to pass it up.
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starwars reviewer
kid, 13 years old
8
 
Ok, I came here to see if I could watch it and I find this remark in the ratings!
I read the sex rating made by commonsense.org about this film, and I must say that I sure can't watch it! Still, why is "One character is openly gay," an issue in the role model rating? All types of people visit this site, and I don't think that don't ask don't tell applies to TV. I would file a complaint to the main editors, but I cannot find that opinions place at the bottom of the screen like I did for Beowulf. I am pretty disapointed in how they choose to say what they said. Teens have died and commited suicide for their decision to be different, and this site should not encourage that their choice was wrong. Like I said, pretty disapointed. Thanks for reading and do not let your kids watch this one. Not exactly a good show for little kids.
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Kaita
adult
16
 
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*
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LDNisILuvCorndogs.
teen, 16 years old
16
 
Good, but too graphic.
I am 16, and I started watching the show when I was sick as a dog with pneumonia. The show is great, and hilarious, but the sex is very graphic (espicially in the first season), and isn't even affectionate. I found myself even fastforwarding some scenes involving the playboy of the show, Jason. It's a good show, but a bit pervasive with the sexual aspects. The violence, to me at least, is pretty much a non-issue.
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kennadara
kid, 13 years old
17
 
NOT FOR KIDS UNDER 18!
THIS IS NOT A SHOW FOR KIDS! I saw a scene from it and i was traumitized the show is ruled by bad messages and inappropriate language. NOT FOR KIDS!
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nman649
teen, 14 years old
10
 
BEST SHOW EVER
BEST SHOW EVER. Just make sure your kid can handle all of it maturely.
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idgaf.
teen, 15 years old
13
 
Perfect for older kids
I love this show and maybe ppl who aren't very mature shouldn't watch it.
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razza858
teen, 14 years old
13
 
not for under teens but great otherwise!
i love it!! I have read all the books and the tv show and I am only 13. My friend only recently started reading them because her aunt recomended her to read them! My friends aunt was going to lend her the 1st and 2nd seasons of true blood but her mom wouldnt let her borrow them because of how sexualy explicit they are. I said to her to watch them on the internet instead and now we are both obsesssed and we also are both in love with ERIC!! ahh soo hot!. I am now hooked on true blood and cannot wait till the 4th season!! But personally I think I am quite mature for my age and so, I dont think I will be mentaly scarred for life and my friend wont be aswell. As long as you are mature you can watch!
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CiaraC
teen, 16 years old
15
 
May not be suitable for some teenagers
Some teenagers may wish to watch this but it is absolutely NOT appropriate for anyone under 14. It's a very good programme overall but would be a lot more watchable with less sex in it.
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MatthieuMich
teen, 15 years old
15
 
Bloody Awesome
True Blood is no doubt one of the best shows I have ever seen. It is very adulterated and is filled with drugs, sex, and violence, which all sum up to one word: drama. I believe that the show is perfect for mature teens and up. It is NOT a show for kids, especially the ones who aren't mature enough for it. I'm a 15 year old and I've been watching it since it started, and I haven't become one the stereotypical druggie kids that learned it all from television. Parents, know your children before you consider letting them watch this. Not ALL kids go bad from watching shows like this.
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Yuna52
teen, 17 years old
14
 
Your mileage may vary.
It sure is a good series for adults but not recommended for 14 and under unless they know the birds and the bees and stuff. Depends on how well they will be able to handle heavy violence, sex, many drug references and excessive swearing. Parents, If you love some dirty vampire series or the Sookie Stackhouse books, this is for you. Keep a big eye out on your kids if they too want to watch it.
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mesiigiirll
teen, 17 years old
15
 
perfect for mature teens
i think this show is amzing!! yes theres sex scenes but when you're mature about it, it doesn't really matter. the story it self is really god and how it is sort of a forbidden romance type of thing because everyone looks down on the relationship because it's a vampire and a human. it also helps to teach about the many different types of relationships from freindship, to absolutly in love to just pure erotic. so yes over all i think this a good show and i can't wait for seson 3:)
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pinkpanda202
teen, 16 years old
14
 
I think that it is a great show! I am 14 and I love it! I know that it may not be appropriate for me, but I am kinda obsessed with the show.... But there is a whole lotta sex in it.......
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J4musicals
teen, 15 years old
15
 
Definitely not for kids, but for teens its OK. It's a good show, a lot of sexual situations but not too many that are extremely graphic. Violence is predictable, so you know when to close your eyes.
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katypinkshoes
parent of 16 year old
15
 
a bit to graphic for my daughter
I personally love this show I have seen all the episodes it is extremely graphic however and I strongly suggest some discretion with allowing your teen to watch it. I don't let my daughter watch it because I'm not comfortable with her seeing all the nudity the rest is fine the only issue I have is with the nudity and sexaul behavior
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Liver
teen, 14 years old
12
 
Theatrical violence in this is fine.
The show is pretty great, the violence is very violent(the CSM review seriously needs to give this violence 5/5)but theatrical. The sexual stuff is...sexual to the nth degree so parents should watch out for this. Watch it before you let your kids see it and by the way, they are making a censored version out sometime next year(rumour has it)so that should be fine for kids.
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migel9170
kid, 12 years old
9
 
like it
I love the movie but it is to inaprpreate for ages yunger than 9 and there is lots of blood gore and violence.
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mkerr1998
teen, 14 years old
16
 
Very addictive, just really weird.
An odd show with lots and lots of sex and violence, but really addicting and hot.
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presley10
adult
17
 
An ADULT show, Twilight for the 18 and ups
Very similar aspects to twilight, but much more hardcore. The sex and violence is raw and realistic, but a little bit too much at times - to the point of off-setting, discomfort, and raised brows, even to an experienced 17 year old. Enjoyed the show somewhat, but not for the acting or harsh depiction of southern attitude and thought process. The storyline and juicy episode-ending scene are what hook you for more. Not too much beneficial content at all though. My advice? keep the Twilight Tweeny boppers away from this one... This is the dark, inappropriate side of the New Moon.
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twimom1967
parent of 8 year old
17
 
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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