Parents' Guide to Mare of Easttown

Parents need to know that Mare of Easttown is a murder mystery drama set in a small Philadelphia suburb. In addition to the local detective, Mare (Kate Winslet), the show focuses on the victim of the crime and its effect on the surrounding community. Mare is depicted as a compassionate police officer who chooses to help people in the community. Violence occurs throughout the series, including gun violence, murder, assault by choking, sexual abuse, kidnapping, suicide by hanging, attempted suicide with a gun, and a child (pre-teen) beating another child with a cafeteria tray. The murder victim's body is shown with a bloody wound and her bare breast exposed. Sexual relationships are used as plot points throughout the series, including adults having sexual relationships with teenagers and sexual abuse by a catholic priest. Prostitution appears in some episodes, and young women in bathing suits or underwear are shown in suggestive poses. The people Easttown drink a lot of alcohol, often to the point of drunkenness; many scenes take place in bars. Mare takes sleeping pills and vapes. Several characters are drug abusers. Heroin, pills, and methamphetamines are discussed. One character dies of an overdose and is discovered with a needle sticking out of his arm. Mare of Easttown appears to be part of a wave of mystery shows like Denmark's The Investigation that focus on the lives of the victims rather than the killers. Despite the grim content and tone, messages include the importance of communty, and characters demonstrate compassion and loyalty.