Bridgerton

Parents need to know that Bridgerton is a soapy series set in Regency-era England based on the novels by Julia Quinn. It follows a cast of upper-crust characters involved in society dramas and dilemmas. In an unusual but welcome move for period dramas, the cast is diverse in terms of race and ethnicity, with people of color represented in every strata of society, from nobles to servants. Expect plenty of explicit sex scenes, including partial nudity (breasts, bottoms), implied masturbation and oral sex, multiple partners, suggestive movements/noises, and passionate kissing by both same-sex and male-female couples. Sexual politics is also a complicating factor in the drama: Upper-class women are shamed for being alone with men and called "loose" or "ruined" as a result. Meanwhile, men have sexual affairs and mistresses and are called nothing worse than "rake." One storyline involves an unplanned pregnancy. Several characters smoke cigarettes and one uses snuff; characters also drink, sometimes to excess. Violence includes very physical boxing matches, and characters hit each other violently during disagreements, and duel (with guns). The characters are very wealthy, with expensive parties/dinners, elegant clothing, precious gems, huge estates, and servants (who are universally loyal and enthusiastic about their jobs) ostentatiously on display. A character with a larger body type is insulted for her appearance; women are often laced into very tight corsets that leave bloody marks on their skin. Characters talk about marrying for love, but they also automatically consider anyone who's rich or who has a noble title to be more important. Cursing includes "bitches" and "f--k."