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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?
Tools and tips that can help

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Our Members Say

Have you seen it? Review It!

  • What did you think about True Blood?

  •  I think this show is

    for ages

  •  I also give it

  •  Any concerns?

  •  Any highlights?

  •  Love it? Hate it?

  • or to post a review
See all 14 member reviews

Most Recent Reviews

  1. Adult Reviewer
    TheTalker
    I rate this title on for age 17 and give it 5.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence
    • Inappropriate sexual content
    • Inappropriate language
    • Drinking, smoking, or drug use
    • Negative role models

    Really an amazing show! But I would never show it to someone under 17 years old. Anyone older should watch it

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
    Flag as inappropriate
  2. Teen Reviewer Age 14
    roxy210
    I rate this title on for age 17 and give it 5.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence
    • Inappropriate sexual content
    • Drinking, smoking, or drug use

    • My highlights are:
    • Good role models

    good for adults

    I love True Blood, it is very true that there is a lot of sex and violence. But the characters are great. I watched the first episode and there was a lot of sex in it, but I made myself watch the second one hoping it would be better and now I'm hooked.

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
    Flag as inappropriate
  3. Teen Reviewer Age 16
    jessica309471
    I rate this title on for age 15 and give it 5.0

    Flag as inappropriate
  4. Teen Reviewer Age 15
    Yuna52
    Lives in New York
    I rate this title off for age 14 and give it 4.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence
    • Inappropriate sexual content
    • Inappropriate language
    • Drinking, smoking, or drug use

    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.

    This review...

    Helped me decide(1) | Had useful details(1) | Read my mind(1)
    Flag as inappropriate
  5. Parent Reviewer
    kikinymph
    I rate this title on for age 10 and give it 4.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence
    • Inappropriate sexual content
    • Inappropriate language

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

    Evaluate for your

    I suggest that before you say yes or no to your children watching this show, a parent needs to see it first, and evaluate how it fits in with your child/ren and their understanding of the world. While my children are able to watch it, I wouldn't necessarily allow other children to watch it. I use the sex, violence, vampires, shape shifters, drug and alcohol usage, and most other potentially problematic issues as teaching moments and conversation starters. If you like Charlaine Harris' southern vampire stories, then this is for you, as it is based on that particular book series.

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
    Flag as inappropriate

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