| 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. | |
| NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
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.
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. ...
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.
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?
| TV rating: | TV-MA |
| Network: | HBO |
| Cast: | Anna Paquin, Rutina Wesley, Stephen Moyer |
| Genre: | Drama |